Subungual Melanoma

Hi all, 

 

Around 12 months ago I noticed a dark brown line appear suddenly on my nail. I thought nothing of it and just assumed it would grow out. 12 months later I have just received my appointment with plastic surgery for a biopsy (4 months after my original appointment mind) and I am absolutely terrified. The line is so thick and dark and matches all images related to melanoma of the nail. I feel sick to the stomach, I am only 23 and I'm expecting the absolute worst. I also have such bad anxiety and am terrified about the biopsy.. how long does it take? Is it painful etc? I hate being so in the dark. Any positive comments would be much appreciated x

  • Yeah it does pain after Anasthesia wears off. I remember that night I felt my leg is on fire :( needless to say multiple injections were also painful.

     I am sure it will be okay for you. It's a shame that surgeon was putting me away from biopsy that day and now it needs to be repeated...

     

    anways it is what it is. Keep me posted. Tc Libby

  • Hi 

     

    hopE you don't mind me jumping on. I was reading both your messages and im Interssted to knoW how you both are?? 
     

    I have been referred to dermatologist recently from my doctor as I went with a dark mark on my toenail and I've got my app 22nd feb . I am very nervous and worried and also feel stupid incase it's something so silly x

  • Hi CCmed

    you are very welcome to join our chat. I am doing OK thanks. I understandd how you feel. I felt the same and now it seems I am going for repeat biopst for a line and my toenail.

    I know it sound silly to pay attention to small line on a nail but it is always better be safe than sorry. I have some medical backround and I understand the the benefits vs rosk of getting it evaluated.

    The chances of having sinister is very low, but if at all it is cancer, it is best to get it treated at the earliest.

    My best wishes for your biopsy.  Please let us know how it goes. It is very natural to feel nervous about it. Injection is pinful but proedure is not, you might have read it in earlier posts.

    Take care !

  • Hi healing7,

    thanks for your response. Do you know when you will get your biopsy ? Also sorry to hear you have to go through this all again. 
     

    I do think it is a very worrying time. I google so much and never realised you can have so many problems with toenails. 
     

    my doctor freaked me out because I honestly thought she would laugh at me and say it was fungal etc instead she told me she would red flag it to the hospital, I got my phone call a week later and app for 3 weeks. 
     

    I hate the thought of anyone touching my feet too lol! I will definitely keep you posted on how it goes

     

    take care!

  • Hi CCmed,

    yeah google can be scary. I have read some scientific papers and guidelines. But as far as I have read - if it is just a line which is unchanged for a long time, the reason to worry is still low. DO you have any other associated symptoms with the nail ?

    In my case - it was a new line, developed over a period of 6 months, which got thicker and my nail spliited - with a double nail and a line on my new nail as well. These signs make it bit more worrying.

    In my follow up appointment after biopsy, I realised she has not removed the complete nail, which was supposed to. And 2 specialists who evaluated my nail that day said I should go for repeat biopsy, i was fine with it till then. 

    I am not very much liking the thoght of going through it again. \Lets see!

    I hope things go well with you. It's always better to get it checked earlier.

    Keep me posted. Tc

  • Hi CCmead! 
     

    im doing okay thank you. Currently waiting for biopsy results!

     

    it's so normal to feel nervous. I had a line on my fingernail and felt so stupid going to the doctors with it, but I ended up having the nail removed for a biopsy! Any change in your body is never silly!

     

    please keep us uodated and let us know how you get on. All the best x

  • Hi Healing7,

    hope you are doing okay!

    just giving you an update, I received a letter saying that the dermatologist is calling me Monday 8th at 9.00am. A little bit worried as originally I was told that I would need to go into the hospital for an outpatient check up a month after the biopsy, however they've arranged a phone call just 2 weeks after :confused: 

    keeping my fingers crossed and trying to stay positive.

    all the best 

    libby x

  • Hi Libby 

    thanks for the update, I understand how it feels, I've been through this. Let me tell you conveying results over phone call is a good sign, doesn't seem anything to be worried. 
    they are supposed to give reports in 2 werks. They will anyways see you after a month for follow up. Alternatively you may call up and ask if they can share results with you.

     I'm waiting for telephone consultation before my another biopsy. Not very ideal really.

    tc. My best wishes for the normal reports.

    xxxx

  • Hello libbyacart and Healing7, did you find out what the issue was in the end? I am going through the same and have a dermatologist appointment coming up in the next 2 weeks or so. Very worried as you can imagine. 

  • Hey I hope you don't mind me joining,

    After a video popped up on TikTok (of all places) whereby a salon nail tech described how one of her clients had an unsual line on her finger I was quick to realise my partner has the same on his thumb. All information has lead to a possibly subungual melanoma and so I pushed for him to ring a doctor who asked for some photos (due to covid and no in person appointments) the doctor rang back and has since forwarded these to a dermatologist for closer inspection but could take 2/3 weeks "if they reply"!!!!! 
    I have made it clear he should follow up on this and push if or a biopsy regardless as it's too specific to be fungal/trauma. 
     

    I have managed to worry myself sick at the prospect of an unfavourable outcome and have since found myself here. I hope you are all doing well and wish you all the luck in your journeys with this! 
     

    Xxx