Subungual Melanoma | Fingernail Cancer - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor should I consult for melanoma of the nail or nail cancer?

You should consult your family physician if you observe irregular pigmentation or a dark band on your nail. However, your family physician may not be well equipped to diagnose melanoma of the nail so you will be asked to consult a dermatologist.

2. What does a black line in your nail indicate?

You should be cautious when you observe a black line in your nail. A black line on the nail or melanonychia may be due to different reasons: trauma that damages the nail, biting nails, bleeding within the nail (hematoma), a fungal infection, or a melanoma.

3. What deficiency is a cause of Beau's lines?

Zinc deficiency may cause Beau's lines (dents or ridges within nails).

4. Is nail cancer fatal?

Nail cancer is detected very late and so the survival rate is low. If detected and treated early, the survival rate is high.


5. Which vitamins are good for your nails?

There is no conclusive evidence for the benefits of vitamin supplementation for normal nail health or for nail disorders. In the case of subungual melanoma, genetics and the environment play a role in the unrestrained growth of melanocytes. In brittle nail syndrome, biotin or silicon may help in treatment.

6. Does melanoma of the nail cause pain?

Yes. When melanoma of the nail progresses to advanced stages, the nail splits with inflammation and a lot of pain.

7. Is subungual melanoma misdiagnosed?

Yes, subungual melanoma is misdiagnosed as a granular mass (pyogenic granuloma), internal bleeding (hematoma), or a fungal infection. Amelanotic melanomas do not present with pigmentation and so it can be misdiagnosed as a granular mass.

8. What are the different stages of subungual melanoma and what is its relevance?

The different stages of subungual melanoma are Stage IA, IB, IIA, IIB, IIC, IIIA, IIIB, IIIC, and IV. The survival rate is the highest for stage IA and the least for stage IV.

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