Question 1

is toenail melanoma on the nail bed, or within the nail? i had a bruise like spot (no trauma) appear, but was able to cut about half of it off.

Accepted Answer

It depends: Melanoma can be in the nail bed under the nail or back in the matrix or root of the nail. Get it checked. Melanoma is a serious malignancy.

Question 2

i have these white tough material strings that are under the nails and are fading, however in the process they are turning dark part way.... melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Most likely not: Unlikely that melanoma would appear on multiple nails at same time. A fungal infection of nails can cause nails to become thicker, crumbly, white or yellow & sometimes turn dark. Also, melanoma of nail tends to involve proximal nail fold (hutchinson sign). Since melanoma of the nail is a very serious condition, please have your nails evaluated by a dermatologist to make sure.

Question 3

are black streaks under the nail a melanoma 100% of the time?

Accepted Answer

NO: Only a nail biopsy will know for sure.

Question 4

i have a white line on my nail and i suspect that it might be melanoma?

Accepted Answer

: In the same direction as your finger going the whole way like a stripe or a horizontal one?  White lines are usually trauma, and will grow out over time. Take a picture and track over a few months if you want. Melanomas are usually black.  An image here would be very helpful.

Question 5

if you've nail subungual melanoma, does it suppose to feel hurt, itch, or you don't feel anything?ty

Accepted Answer

Depends: You could have any of these symptoms or none at all.  If you have concern about a lesion, don't ignore it and seek physican consultation and possible biopsy right away.  The key to skin cancer treatment is early detection.

Question 6

will they remove my nail when they check my suspected subungual melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Most likely yes: Most likely yes. They would need to get a biopsy of the mole. If it is located underneath the nail- the nail has to be out so a biopsy can be done and enough tissue can be resected. Discuss with your dermatologist.

Question 7

doc i have a brown stripes in my nails is it melanoma? in my nailbed..

Accepted Answer

Close monitoring: Melanoma under the nail can be the cause but it is unlikely unless you have seen it increase in size. From now for next 6 months, watch your nail for any changes in the nail and in the skin around your nail. If there is an increase in size, change of color or pain, discharge, bleeding, then you should get examined by your doctor who may send you to a dermatologist if the lesion is suspicious for m

Question 8

i have a dark vertical black line on my left thumb nail. is it melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Not likley: Melanomas are not linear.  I suppose you could have a melanoma under the nail, but i still do not think it would look linear.

Question 9

i have a persistent thin black line that runs the length of my nail.  other than subungual melanoma, what might this represent?

Accepted Answer

Need to be checked.: Any preceding trauma?
Any trouble with other nails?
Otherwise, hard to say without examining the nail. 
This might be evaluated by your pcp or dermatologist.

Question 10

does biopsy procedure to determine subungual melanoma is painful? i heard it involve lifting up my nail? and how much it cost approximately? ty.

Accepted Answer

Should not be: All dermatologists use an anesthetic agent of some sort to deaden the pain. A subungual melanoma for someone who is 33 is exceedingly rare, and i would be surprised if the result is positive. Charges by dermatologists vary by state and by city, depending on their costs. Usually <$200 for a biopsy, plus about $75-125 to the pathologist to interpret the biopsy.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Melanoma on nails

A member asked:

Is toenail melanoma on the nail bed, or within the nail? i had a bruise like spot (no trauma) appear, but was able to cut about half of it off.

A member asked:

I have these white tough material strings that are under the nails and are fading, however in the process they are turning dark part way.... melanoma?

A member asked:

Are black streaks under the nail a melanoma 100% of the time?

A member asked:

I have a white line on my nail and i suspect that it might be melanoma?

A member asked:

If you've nail subungual melanoma, does it suppose to feel hurt, itch, or you don't feel anything?ty

A member asked:

Will they remove my nail when they check my suspected subungual melanoma?

A member asked:

Doc i have a brown stripes in my nails is it melanoma? in my nailbed..

A member asked:

I have a dark vertical black line on my left thumb nail. is it melanoma?

A member asked:

I have a persistent thin black line that runs the length of my nail. other than subungual melanoma, what might this represent?

A member asked:

Does biopsy procedure to determine subungual melanoma is painful? i heard it involve lifting up my nail? and how much it cost approximately? ty.

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?