Is this a concern?
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Is this a concern?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Is this a concern?

  • Post
    • January 3, 2019 at 2:58 am
    weetbick
    Participant

    I’m 17 years old and I am southeast asian and live in southeast asia. I have darkening on the corner of my toenail for maybe 4-6 months (or maybe more because I didn’t keep track of it and thought it was not concerning. However, lately I’m curious and pretty concerned.) This is what it looks like: https://imgur.com/a/qkvxiPu

    My toenail (the one besides the pinky) has dark corner and it’s kinda stripe-like and the cuticle is kinda dark too. I am pretty worried after I read about melanoma. I tried cutting the nail and there’s nothing under the nail and it’s only dark on my nail (as far as I know). I also tried using the flashlight of my phone (so I can see through it) because I thought phone flashlights can make our veins visible so it would make sense if it can show any dark spots under your nail too. Anyways, I did that and put my flashlight under my toe so It would make the nail and the toe itself somewhat see through and it doesn’t show anything and I don’t see any dark spots or stripes. My question is, does the melanoma dark stripe show up on the skin/flesh under your nail or the actual nail itself? And is it even possible for this to still be melanoma after the whole flashlight thing? I’m planning to see a dermatologist but now I’m wondering if this is still concerning.

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      • January 3, 2019 at 3:09 am
      weetbick
      Participant

      I’m the same person who posted this. I think it’s possible that it’s been a year too (or even more) because I really didn’t keep track of it.

      • January 3, 2019 at 3:20 am
      lkb
      Participant

      Seventeen, please go see a dermatologist/podiatrist and have a biopsy. If it's not melanoma, you'll be singing the happy song. If it is melanoma, you'll know what you need to do (consult a melanoma specialist for a treatment plan). Otherwise, you'll just be worried. 

      With encouragement,

      Lisa

        • January 3, 2019 at 12:19 pm
        weetbick
        Participant

        Hi, a dermatologist said I should compare it every 3 months and see if it changes (hope it doesn’t). He said it’s longitudinal melanonychia and common in Asian and African descent so that makes sense. Thanks for your reply!

        • January 4, 2019 at 4:58 am
        lkb
        Participant

        Glad you snapped a picture for future comparison. Wishing you the best.

        • January 5, 2019 at 3:57 am
        weetbick
        Participant

        Thanks! Wishing you the best too! 🙂

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