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How common is melanoma under toenail?
Subungual melanoma is uncommon. It accounts for only 0.7 percent to 3.5 percent of all malignant melanomas worldwide. This form of melanoma occurs in all racial groups, with 30 to 40 percent of cases appearing in non-white people. Subungual melanoma is rare, but it is deadly if left untreated.
What does toe melanoma look like?
Aside from looking like a changing mole, a melanoma on the foot can appear as a: Brown or black vertical line under a toenail. Pinkish-red spot or growth. New spot or growth where you injured your foot.
How do I know if I have melanoma under my toenail?
When checking your nails for melanoma, dermatologists recommend looking for the following changes:
- A dark streak.
- Dark skin next to your nail.
- Nail lifting from your fingers or toes.
- Nail splitting, which occurs when a nail splits down the middle.
- A bump or nodule under your nails.
What causes melanoma under toenail?
However, subungual melanoma isn’t usually caused by the sun. Most cases seem to be caused by injury or trauma. It also tends to affect middle-aged and older adults with darker skin. Additionally, subungual melanoma is more prevalent in the nails of your thumbs and big toes.
What are the five early warning signs of melanoma?
The “ABCDE” rule is helpful in remembering the warning signs of melanoma:
- Asymmetry. The shape of one-half of the mole does not match the other.
- Border. The edges are ragged, notched, uneven, or blurred.
- Color. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present.
- Diameter.
- Evolving.
What does melanoma under the toenail look like?
Toenail melanoma tends to be more common in people of African descent. People with the condition may notice an abnormal coloration on their toenail. Commonly, a dark spot on the nail appears, which may be brown, black or purple.
What causes black spots on Toenail?
Some of the common causes of dark spots on toe nails include Trauma Injury: One of the most important cause of dark spots on toenails is injury or trauma to the toes. The prime cause behind this is that, the blood which runs under the body tissues collects at one place, causing dark toenails.
How to clear up dark toenails?
– Oral: Oral medications have been proven effective, but they take time to work. – Topical: Topical treatments (like amorolfine and ciclopirox) can help with minor toenail fungus. – Natural/Homeopathic: Natural preventative measures can be effective, but once fungus sets in, your best bet is a research-backed and FDA approved oral antifungal.
Why is there a black spot on my toe?
A black spot on toenail may be the result of acral lentiginous melanoma, or skin cancer. Commonly seen on the big toe, this form of cancer also produces vertical borders. Black Spots Under Toenail Treatments. For a black spot under toenail treatment, you may be able to use topical, over-the-counter products to cure the underlying cause.