Cancer Research UK main site

Faint line on nail

Hdav31
Offline

Hi all,

Not sure how I found myself here or really what to say other than I'm terrified.

I recently (last 2 months) noticed a faint line down one of my nails. I naively thought this was B12 deficiency as I'm vegan so I had a blood test. Levels where fine so I went back to GP again. Two GPs looked at it and said it didn't look sinister, "probably" a mole under the nail, and to come back in 4 weeks because I was so worried about it. 

I've been so anxious about it being a subungal melanoma that I've booked to see a private dermatologist (appointment is tomorrow). I'm so worried, today I've cried for most of the day. I'm naturally a very anxious person so this really has sent me over the edge. 

Not sure why I'm posting really as I don't really have a specific question. I just don't know what else to do. 

  • Offline

    Hi,

    I'm so sorry that you are going through this anxiety but the good thing is that you've arranged to get it checked out tomorrow. 

    Subungual melanoma isn't common - it only makes up for about 5% of melanoma diagnoses and it's more prevalent in dark skinned or Oriental people. Hopefully your faint line is due to something less serious but don't panic if they say they want to take a sample of tissue for a biopsy as that's the only 100% way to diagnose melanoma.

    There are several posts on the forum from others who have gone through the same worry. If you type 'nail' or 'subungual ' in the Search Forum bar at the top of the page you will see that some have received clear results.

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

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.