Hi ppatel,

Welcome to Cancer Chat. Firstly I hope you're getting on OK and hopefully it's not too long to wait for your appointment.

I hope she won't mind me tagging her in this post, but [@AngieT]‍ may be able to help on this as she has a lot of knowledge and experience in this area.

Alternatively our nurses would also be able to help if you'd like to talk to someone - you can reach them on 0808 800 4040 (Monday-Friday, 9-5).

Wishing you all the best,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi ppatel,

Thanks for the tag Ben. I don't have personal experience of subungual melanoma as mine is superficial spreading melanoma (from a mole on my skin). However, there are several posts in the forum from others who have had the same presentation in the nail and it may be worth looking through them. Just search 'subungual' in the Search Forum in the bar at the top of the page to find them. 

All I know is that dermatologists vary as to how they deal with a new referral like this. Some arrange for the patient to come back for the nail (and some of the nail bed) to be fully removed for biopsy. Some peel back the nail and take a small sample of the nail bed whilst some punch a hole through the nail to access some tissue. I think it all depends on where in the nail bed they think the line may originate. All will then be sent for biopsy.

You certainly won't be dismissed or misdiagnosed due to your age so please don't worry about that. There is a very good chance that it will be fine but they will check it out thoroughly. Subungual melanoma isn't common - it only accounts for 5% of melanoma cases, so the odds for it being benign are in your favour. You should get an appointment through pretty quickly so try not stress whilst waiting (easier said than done, I know).

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

Angie

Hi Angie. Thanks for your informative response- it's useful to know what to expect and what kind of biopsy may be taken. Hopefully I'll be seen within the next couple of weeks and I'll be able to feedback with some positive news.

This is a definite reminder to keep an eye out and speak to the GP about any changes you notice with the body, no matter how small and whatever age you are.

All the best.

Hi PPatel, did you end up having a biopsy on your toe nail? If so, do you remember what the recovery was like? I am due the same next week and I have no idea what to expect. Thank you.

Thanks, Steph. I will do that!