Hematoma or melanoma? When should I see a dermatologist?
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Hematoma or melanoma? When should I see a dermatologist?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Hematoma or melanoma? When should I see a dermatologist?

  • Post
    • October 19, 2016 at 1:55 pm
    Rkaiser
    Participant

    I recently took off my toenail polish and noticed a large brown spot on my right big toe and another only third toe on the left. I thought at first it must be bruises since they popped up so suddenly (the last time I took off my toenail polish was about 3 or 4 weeks ago) but after looking online I saw that hematomas can look a lot like melanomas under the nails.

    I don't remember a specific traumatic event, but does the fact that they showed up so large within a month span and are on two different toes make it more likely a hematoma or melanoma? At what point in time if it's not healing do I consult a dermatologist? I just don't want to sit on this for months and possibly be missing something big. Does anyone have advice on this? Do melanomas under the toes generally show up gradually or can the really show up all of a sudden?

Viewing 14 reply threads
  • Replies
      • October 19, 2016 at 3:45 pm
      snow white
      Participant

      I say if your gut it telling you that there might be a problem, go consult a doctor.  Early detection is the key.  Do you have a history of Melanoma?

      • October 19, 2016 at 3:45 pm
      snow white
      Participant

      I say if your gut it telling you that there might be a problem, go consult a doctor.  Early detection is the key.  Do you have a history of Melanoma?

      • October 19, 2016 at 3:45 pm
      snow white
      Participant

      I say if your gut it telling you that there might be a problem, go consult a doctor.  Early detection is the key.  Do you have a history of Melanoma?

      • October 19, 2016 at 4:08 pm
      casagrayson
      Participant

      I'm not basing this on anything scientific, just a gut feeling.  Having two melanomas show up under two different nails at the same time would be a once in a million type situation.  I'd bet you stubbed your toes at the same time.  It's strange that you don't remember something that would cause that much trauma, but it is possible.  If it really worries you, have it checked out.  Or maybe take a picture and watch to see if they start to fade over the next couple of weeks.

      • October 19, 2016 at 4:08 pm
      casagrayson
      Participant

      I'm not basing this on anything scientific, just a gut feeling.  Having two melanomas show up under two different nails at the same time would be a once in a million type situation.  I'd bet you stubbed your toes at the same time.  It's strange that you don't remember something that would cause that much trauma, but it is possible.  If it really worries you, have it checked out.  Or maybe take a picture and watch to see if they start to fade over the next couple of weeks.

      • October 19, 2016 at 4:08 pm
      casagrayson
      Participant

      I'm not basing this on anything scientific, just a gut feeling.  Having two melanomas show up under two different nails at the same time would be a once in a million type situation.  I'd bet you stubbed your toes at the same time.  It's strange that you don't remember something that would cause that much trauma, but it is possible.  If it really worries you, have it checked out.  Or maybe take a picture and watch to see if they start to fade over the next couple of weeks.

      • October 19, 2016 at 7:24 pm
      jennunicorn
      Participant

      A year ago I had a similar situation… I was taking off my toe nail polish and on one of my large toes the nail was almost half black. Kind of freaked me out since I did not recall hurting it at all.. so I saw a derm and yep, it was a bruise. Took about 6 months to totally grow out. He looked for any of the dark area to have moved onto the skin next to the nail, if that was the case then they would have suspected possible melanoma, but since it was confined to just the toenail area, and whatever else they look for, it was determined to be a bruise.

      Would definitely be incredibly rare to have 2 nails affected by melanoma at the same time, much more likely to be bruised, but doesn't hurt to have your doc take a look.

      • October 19, 2016 at 7:24 pm
      jennunicorn
      Participant

      A year ago I had a similar situation… I was taking off my toe nail polish and on one of my large toes the nail was almost half black. Kind of freaked me out since I did not recall hurting it at all.. so I saw a derm and yep, it was a bruise. Took about 6 months to totally grow out. He looked for any of the dark area to have moved onto the skin next to the nail, if that was the case then they would have suspected possible melanoma, but since it was confined to just the toenail area, and whatever else they look for, it was determined to be a bruise.

      Would definitely be incredibly rare to have 2 nails affected by melanoma at the same time, much more likely to be bruised, but doesn't hurt to have your doc take a look.

      • October 19, 2016 at 7:24 pm
      jennunicorn
      Participant

      A year ago I had a similar situation… I was taking off my toe nail polish and on one of my large toes the nail was almost half black. Kind of freaked me out since I did not recall hurting it at all.. so I saw a derm and yep, it was a bruise. Took about 6 months to totally grow out. He looked for any of the dark area to have moved onto the skin next to the nail, if that was the case then they would have suspected possible melanoma, but since it was confined to just the toenail area, and whatever else they look for, it was determined to be a bruise.

      Would definitely be incredibly rare to have 2 nails affected by melanoma at the same time, much more likely to be bruised, but doesn't hurt to have your doc take a look.

      • October 20, 2016 at 12:45 am
      Rkaiser
      Participant

      Thanks everyone, this advice lessens my anxieties. I took pictures and will keep an eye on it, but like you all said if my gut starts telling me something else then I'll consult my doctor. I don't have any previous history of melanoma and it does sound like two toes would be rare. I appreciate the help so thanks again.

      • October 20, 2016 at 12:45 am
      Rkaiser
      Participant

      Thanks everyone, this advice lessens my anxieties. I took pictures and will keep an eye on it, but like you all said if my gut starts telling me something else then I'll consult my doctor. I don't have any previous history of melanoma and it does sound like two toes would be rare. I appreciate the help so thanks again.

      • October 20, 2016 at 12:45 am
      Rkaiser
      Participant

      Thanks everyone, this advice lessens my anxieties. I took pictures and will keep an eye on it, but like you all said if my gut starts telling me something else then I'll consult my doctor. I don't have any previous history of melanoma and it does sound like two toes would be rare. I appreciate the help so thanks again.

      • October 20, 2016 at 4:37 pm
      youngann
      Participant

      Just to throw another option out there…it could also be toenail fungus.

      • October 20, 2016 at 4:37 pm
      youngann
      Participant

      Just to throw another option out there…it could also be toenail fungus.

      • October 20, 2016 at 4:37 pm
      youngann
      Participant

      Just to throw another option out there…it could also be toenail fungus.

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