Hi I have had a fungal infection for years but about 2 weeks ago I developed a bruise on my big toe shaped like a eye went to my docs today who said I could be Melonoma but he thought it was a bruise but I have had no injury that I can recall it doesn't look like any of the pictures in the internet but it's not stopped me worrying and i am thinking can a fungal infection turn into melonoma I have to go back to my gp in four weeks but I am thinking of going private with a dermatologist the bruise on my toe is a the bottom of the big toe has anybody experienced anything similar 

Hi RaeRae and Robo,

I'm sorry you are both waiting to be seen by a dermatologist or to be referred to one. I haven't had subungal melanoma (mine is on the skin) but I know a few people who have. There are also a few posts on here by others who have had biopsies for sm - if you search 'subungal' in the Search Forum bar at the top of this page you will find these posts. I know of one member, Ricky, who may be able to help you if you can find his post.

SM is quite rare and only accounts for 1% of melanoma patients so hopefully you will both be fine. This link is from a medical journal but it explains how nail biopsies are carried out so it may help you RaeRae www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/.../

Robo, a fungal infection can't turn into melanoma but I think it still adviseable that you get it checked out by a dermatologist, just in case two things are going on under the nail at the same time. If you aren't happy at waiting 4 weeks you have two options - either see a different GP at your practice to get a second opinion or pay for a consultation with a private dermatologist. I hope you get it checked out as quickly as you can for your piece of mind.

Good luck to both of you and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)