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Suspected Toenail Melanoma

Forums Cutaneous Melanoma Community Suspected Toenail Melanoma

  • Post
    momof4
    Participant

      So went to the dermatologist yesterday for a black mole looking spot under my nail.  Long story short thought it was a bruise, had it since 2008, always had nail polish over it and didn't pay any attention to it.  I am having surgery and biopsy on Friday and I am in disbelief of this whole situtation.

      So went to the dermatologist yesterday for a black mole looking spot under my nail.  Long story short thought it was a bruise, had it since 2008, always had nail polish over it and didn't pay any attention to it.  I am having surgery and biopsy on Friday and I am in disbelief of this whole situtation. I never even knew this existed.  I had been to the derm before to have moles removed, all the while this was on my toe and I wasn't paying attention to it.  Anyways I was wondering if there are any stories of of others who have this.  I am 35 yr old white female and it looks as if this is pretty rare for my demographic. I am trying to stay away from studies I am reading because I have read the 5 year survival rate was only 40%  in subungal melanomas on the toes. Any insights? Thanks in advance πŸ™‚

    Viewing 20 reply threads
    • Replies
        o2bcheri
        Participant

          oh dear… you must be terrified…

          i am no expert.. and do not have melanoma.. though my daughter is waiting for results on a suspicious mole…

          it seems to me.. that if this has been there for 3 yrs or more.. ??? how could it be dangerous.. ???

          good luck.. prayers and hugs as well..

           

          michele

            momof4
            Participant

              Thanks Michele and best of luck to your daughter πŸ™‚

              momof4
              Participant

                Thanks Michele and best of luck to your daughter πŸ™‚

                momof4
                Participant

                  Thanks Michele and best of luck to your daughter πŸ™‚

                o2bcheri
                Participant

                  oh dear… you must be terrified…

                  i am no expert.. and do not have melanoma.. though my daughter is waiting for results on a suspicious mole…

                  it seems to me.. that if this has been there for 3 yrs or more.. ??? how could it be dangerous.. ???

                  good luck.. prayers and hugs as well..

                   

                  michele

                  o2bcheri
                  Participant

                    oh dear… you must be terrified…

                    i am no expert.. and do not have melanoma.. though my daughter is waiting for results on a suspicious mole…

                    it seems to me.. that if this has been there for 3 yrs or more.. ??? how could it be dangerous.. ???

                    good luck.. prayers and hugs as well..

                     

                    michele

                     

                    My father had melanoma under his toe nail for many, many years — certanly more than 3 years —  and it was very very thick.  When his toe was removed, the doctors were amazed that the melanoma had not spread and no further treatment was needed, so don't give up hope!  He eventually got a second primary on the same foot, which was not so successfully treated.  This means you have to be vigilant to check for additional primaries, since this is an unusual melanoma for white people, but don't give up hope!  You can beat this!

                    Best wishes to you,

                    Ellen – dads daughter

                      momof4
                      Participant

                        Thank you so much for your response.  I am sorry about your father.  I appreciate you sharing his story with me and you have no idea how incredible that sounds to me that his initial melanoma had not spread.  I will never give up hope especially since I have a 5, 4, 2 & 1 year old at home that need me so much.  This waiting game (as I know almost everyone on here had gone through one way or another) is just brutal.

                        Thanks again,

                        Sarah

                        momof4
                        Participant

                          Thank you so much for your response.  I am sorry about your father.  I appreciate you sharing his story with me and you have no idea how incredible that sounds to me that his initial melanoma had not spread.  I will never give up hope especially since I have a 5, 4, 2 & 1 year old at home that need me so much.  This waiting game (as I know almost everyone on here had gone through one way or another) is just brutal.

                          Thanks again,

                          Sarah

                          momof4
                          Participant

                            Thank you so much for your response.  I am sorry about your father.  I appreciate you sharing his story with me and you have no idea how incredible that sounds to me that his initial melanoma had not spread.  I will never give up hope especially since I have a 5, 4, 2 & 1 year old at home that need me so much.  This waiting game (as I know almost everyone on here had gone through one way or another) is just brutal.

                            Thanks again,

                            Sarah

                           

                          My father had melanoma under his toe nail for many, many years — certanly more than 3 years —  and it was very very thick.  When his toe was removed, the doctors were amazed that the melanoma had not spread and no further treatment was needed, so don't give up hope!  He eventually got a second primary on the same foot, which was not so successfully treated.  This means you have to be vigilant to check for additional primaries, since this is an unusual melanoma for white people, but don't give up hope!  You can beat this!

                          Best wishes to you,

                          Ellen – dads daughter

                           

                          My father had melanoma under his toe nail for many, many years — certanly more than 3 years —  and it was very very thick.  When his toe was removed, the doctors were amazed that the melanoma had not spread and no further treatment was needed, so don't give up hope!  He eventually got a second primary on the same foot, which was not so successfully treated.  This means you have to be vigilant to check for additional primaries, since this is an unusual melanoma for white people, but don't give up hope!  You can beat this!

                          Best wishes to you,

                          Ellen – dads daughter

                          Linny
                          Participant

                            You're wise to stay away from reading any studies because you don't need that additional stress right now. 

                            With regard to any statistics you've read, remember that they were based on data that were compiled  several years ago. In the meantime, doctors have found more effective treatment protocols against various cancers so those same statistics may not be as dire as they were at the time they were compiled. Someone here has a great tagline under their signature that states something to the effect that they are not a statistic, but an individual.

                            You're doing the right thing by having this removed and biopsied. I pray it winds up being nothing.

                            Linny
                            Participant

                              You're wise to stay away from reading any studies because you don't need that additional stress right now. 

                              With regard to any statistics you've read, remember that they were based on data that were compiled  several years ago. In the meantime, doctors have found more effective treatment protocols against various cancers so those same statistics may not be as dire as they were at the time they were compiled. Someone here has a great tagline under their signature that states something to the effect that they are not a statistic, but an individual.

                              You're doing the right thing by having this removed and biopsied. I pray it winds up being nothing.

                                momof4
                                Participant

                                  I never thought about how much has changed since these studies.  I looked at the one I was refering to in particular and it was from 1992-2004.  Thats a long time ago.  Thanks for pointed this out!

                                  momof4
                                  Participant

                                    I never thought about how much has changed since these studies.  I looked at the one I was refering to in particular and it was from 1992-2004.  Thats a long time ago.  Thanks for pointed this out!

                                    momof4
                                    Participant

                                      I never thought about how much has changed since these studies.  I looked at the one I was refering to in particular and it was from 1992-2004.  Thats a long time ago.  Thanks for pointed this out!

                                    Linny
                                    Participant

                                      You're wise to stay away from reading any studies because you don't need that additional stress right now. 

                                      With regard to any statistics you've read, remember that they were based on data that were compiled  several years ago. In the meantime, doctors have found more effective treatment protocols against various cancers so those same statistics may not be as dire as they were at the time they were compiled. Someone here has a great tagline under their signature that states something to the effect that they are not a statistic, but an individual.

                                      You're doing the right thing by having this removed and biopsied. I pray it winds up being nothing.

                                      NYKaren
                                      Participant
                                        Hi,
                                        I too hope it’s nothing, but if it is melanoma, do not despair. There are several new treatments available. If I listened to the studies on the Internet, I would have been dead 6months ago!
                                        IF it is mel, make sure you are seen at a melanoma center of excellence. If necessary, people here will be happy to suggest centers based on your location.
                                        all the best and let us know,
                                        karen
                                          momof4
                                          Participant

                                            From what I understand the biopsy is to give us more information about the melanoma.  Not whether or not it is melanoma.  Maybe there is still a slight chance its not even it?  I guess I will know more next week. This is all so crazy.  I looked in my area and do have a melanoma center of excellence. Thank you!

                                            Linny
                                            Participant

                                              I guess that logically speaking, it may still be nothing but your doc can't tell you that or whether it's melanoma or whether it's something else until he/she has the biopsy results in hand.

                                              The waiting definitely is hard. Hang in there.

                                              NYKaren
                                              Participant
                                                Absolutely. Usually doctors don’t want us to worry until it’s time to worry. It’s not melanoma until the biopsy results are in.
                                                I had absolutely no clue until my doc called me in to her office to “check the stitches”.
                                                NYKaren
                                                Participant
                                                  Absolutely. Usually doctors don’t want us to worry until it’s time to worry. It’s not melanoma until the biopsy results are in.
                                                  I had absolutely no clue until my doc called me in to her office to “check the stitches”.
                                                  NYKaren
                                                  Participant
                                                    Absolutely. Usually doctors don’t want us to worry until it’s time to worry. It’s not melanoma until the biopsy results are in.
                                                    I had absolutely no clue until my doc called me in to her office to “check the stitches”.
                                                    Linny
                                                    Participant

                                                      I guess that logically speaking, it may still be nothing but your doc can't tell you that or whether it's melanoma or whether it's something else until he/she has the biopsy results in hand.

                                                      The waiting definitely is hard. Hang in there.

                                                      Linny
                                                      Participant

                                                        I guess that logically speaking, it may still be nothing but your doc can't tell you that or whether it's melanoma or whether it's something else until he/she has the biopsy results in hand.

                                                        The waiting definitely is hard. Hang in there.

                                                        momof4
                                                        Participant

                                                          From what I understand the biopsy is to give us more information about the melanoma.  Not whether or not it is melanoma.  Maybe there is still a slight chance its not even it?  I guess I will know more next week. This is all so crazy.  I looked in my area and do have a melanoma center of excellence. Thank you!

                                                          momof4
                                                          Participant

                                                            From what I understand the biopsy is to give us more information about the melanoma.  Not whether or not it is melanoma.  Maybe there is still a slight chance its not even it?  I guess I will know more next week. This is all so crazy.  I looked in my area and do have a melanoma center of excellence. Thank you!

                                                          NYKaren
                                                          Participant
                                                            Hi,
                                                            I too hope it’s nothing, but if it is melanoma, do not despair. There are several new treatments available. If I listened to the studies on the Internet, I would have been dead 6months ago!
                                                            IF it is mel, make sure you are seen at a melanoma center of excellence. If necessary, people here will be happy to suggest centers based on your location.
                                                            all the best and let us know,
                                                            karen
                                                            NYKaren
                                                            Participant
                                                              Hi,
                                                              I too hope it’s nothing, but if it is melanoma, do not despair. There are several new treatments available. If I listened to the studies on the Internet, I would have been dead 6months ago!
                                                              IF it is mel, make sure you are seen at a melanoma center of excellence. If necessary, people here will be happy to suggest centers based on your location.
                                                              all the best and let us know,
                                                              karen
                                                              JerryfromFauq
                                                              Participant

                                                                I will say that you are doing the correct thing in learning as you are waiting for getting accurate results as to what the problem actually is. Just get the possible tumor checked out as soon as possible. The problem with studies is that while often very true for a large group of people, they are not accurate predictors of individual cases. Going by studies, I don't have to worry about getting melanoma. The pathology reports on my removed tumors show otherwise. When I went to stage IV, 9 months after my initial diagnosis in May 2006 (After being told for 3 1/2 years that I had no serious problem) I was told that the statistics showed that I had a 50% chance of being dead within 6 months and less than a 5% chance of being alive thru the 5 to ten year range.. Yes, you are correct to be worried, just be vigilant, but do not be paranoid. Most melanoma's on the heals, soles, palms, and under the finger and toe nails are of the Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM) variety. (effectively there are at least a hundred different melanomas.) ALM, like Mucosal Melanoma and Melanoma on non-chronically sun damaged locations are likely to contain an oncoprotein and DNA tumor mutation known as c-kit. These melanomas are known to be quite deadly. The main reason they are so deadly is because they have usually been ignored until they have spread (metastasized). The earlier any melanoma is identified, the higher the probability of long term survival. Stage one group of patients have a probability of over 95% of having no further problems. Read http://skincancer.about.com/b/2008/08/05/achilles-heel-of-metastatic-melanoma-found.htm for a review of the first peer reviewed article published by one Oncologist on one patient (2008). At that time and still through the present, Gleevec has not been FDA approved for Melanoma, though it is FDA approved for three other types of cancer that may also contain the C-kit. After IL-2 worked for 20 months, then stopped being effective for me, I talked with my Melanoma team at the UVA cancer center and at my request they started me, with again wildly growing tumors on Imatinib Mesylate (Gleevec). That was in March 2009. There has since been several clinical trials for this first targeted cancer chemo drug. I have not said the above to to push you into paranoia, but to say that education of this many faced disease is very important for survival. I have not been NED (No Evidence of Disease on CT/X-Ray/PET SCANS scans) since I was told I was at stage IV. That was in Feb 2007, I am still here. i am still learning and working the problem as is my friend Charley who has been a non-NED Stage IV melanoma person for 15 years now.

                                                                     If your black spot does turn out to be melanoma and contains c-kit 9and particulrly on exon 11 you to could be in a fairly good place.  Of course we will pray that it's not melanoma.  Just be aware that there are treatment possibilities beyond what is even currently approved.

                                                                JerryfromFauq
                                                                Participant

                                                                  I will say that you are doing the correct thing in learning as you are waiting for getting accurate results as to what the problem actually is. Just get the possible tumor checked out as soon as possible. The problem with studies is that while often very true for a large group of people, they are not accurate predictors of individual cases. Going by studies, I don't have to worry about getting melanoma. The pathology reports on my removed tumors show otherwise. When I went to stage IV, 9 months after my initial diagnosis in May 2006 (After being told for 3 1/2 years that I had no serious problem) I was told that the statistics showed that I had a 50% chance of being dead within 6 months and less than a 5% chance of being alive thru the 5 to ten year range.. Yes, you are correct to be worried, just be vigilant, but do not be paranoid. Most melanoma's on the heals, soles, palms, and under the finger and toe nails are of the Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM) variety. (effectively there are at least a hundred different melanomas.) ALM, like Mucosal Melanoma and Melanoma on non-chronically sun damaged locations are likely to contain an oncoprotein and DNA tumor mutation known as c-kit. These melanomas are known to be quite deadly. The main reason they are so deadly is because they have usually been ignored until they have spread (metastasized). The earlier any melanoma is identified, the higher the probability of long term survival. Stage one group of patients have a probability of over 95% of having no further problems. Read http://skincancer.about.com/b/2008/08/05/achilles-heel-of-metastatic-melanoma-found.htm for a review of the first peer reviewed article published by one Oncologist on one patient (2008). At that time and still through the present, Gleevec has not been FDA approved for Melanoma, though it is FDA approved for three other types of cancer that may also contain the C-kit. After IL-2 worked for 20 months, then stopped being effective for me, I talked with my Melanoma team at the UVA cancer center and at my request they started me, with again wildly growing tumors on Imatinib Mesylate (Gleevec). That was in March 2009. There has since been several clinical trials for this first targeted cancer chemo drug. I have not said the above to to push you into paranoia, but to say that education of this many faced disease is very important for survival. I have not been NED (No Evidence of Disease on CT/X-Ray/PET SCANS scans) since I was told I was at stage IV. That was in Feb 2007, I am still here. i am still learning and working the problem as is my friend Charley who has been a non-NED Stage IV melanoma person for 15 years now.

                                                                       If your black spot does turn out to be melanoma and contains c-kit 9and particulrly on exon 11 you to could be in a fairly good place.  Of course we will pray that it's not melanoma.  Just be aware that there are treatment possibilities beyond what is even currently approved.

                                                                    momof4
                                                                    Participant

                                                                      I truly appreciate this information.  I had read a little about c-kits but wasn't sure what it was all about.  You response has provided me with some much needed clarity on this.  Knowledge doesn't make me paranoid, ignorance does. I know there is so much of this I won't be able to control but the things that I can control I want to be prepared.  I know as soon as I get my results I will need all the resourses I can get and I am so grateful for this support system. Thank you for taking the time to share this with me and I wish you all the best!

                                                                      momof4
                                                                      Participant

                                                                        I truly appreciate this information.  I had read a little about c-kits but wasn't sure what it was all about.  You response has provided me with some much needed clarity on this.  Knowledge doesn't make me paranoid, ignorance does. I know there is so much of this I won't be able to control but the things that I can control I want to be prepared.  I know as soon as I get my results I will need all the resourses I can get and I am so grateful for this support system. Thank you for taking the time to share this with me and I wish you all the best!

                                                                        momof4
                                                                        Participant

                                                                          I truly appreciate this information.  I had read a little about c-kits but wasn't sure what it was all about.  You response has provided me with some much needed clarity on this.  Knowledge doesn't make me paranoid, ignorance does. I know there is so much of this I won't be able to control but the things that I can control I want to be prepared.  I know as soon as I get my results I will need all the resourses I can get and I am so grateful for this support system. Thank you for taking the time to share this with me and I wish you all the best!

                                                                        JerryfromFauq
                                                                        Participant

                                                                          I will say that you are doing the correct thing in learning as you are waiting for getting accurate results as to what the problem actually is. Just get the possible tumor checked out as soon as possible. The problem with studies is that while often very true for a large group of people, they are not accurate predictors of individual cases. Going by studies, I don't have to worry about getting melanoma. The pathology reports on my removed tumors show otherwise. When I went to stage IV, 9 months after my initial diagnosis in May 2006 (After being told for 3 1/2 years that I had no serious problem) I was told that the statistics showed that I had a 50% chance of being dead within 6 months and less than a 5% chance of being alive thru the 5 to ten year range.. Yes, you are correct to be worried, just be vigilant, but do not be paranoid. Most melanoma's on the heals, soles, palms, and under the finger and toe nails are of the Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM) variety. (effectively there are at least a hundred different melanomas.) ALM, like Mucosal Melanoma and Melanoma on non-chronically sun damaged locations are likely to contain an oncoprotein and DNA tumor mutation known as c-kit. These melanomas are known to be quite deadly. The main reason they are so deadly is because they have usually been ignored until they have spread (metastasized). The earlier any melanoma is identified, the higher the probability of long term survival. Stage one group of patients have a probability of over 95% of having no further problems. Read http://skincancer.about.com/b/2008/08/05/achilles-heel-of-metastatic-melanoma-found.htm for a review of the first peer reviewed article published by one Oncologist on one patient (2008). At that time and still through the present, Gleevec has not been FDA approved for Melanoma, though it is FDA approved for three other types of cancer that may also contain the C-kit. After IL-2 worked for 20 months, then stopped being effective for me, I talked with my Melanoma team at the UVA cancer center and at my request they started me, with again wildly growing tumors on Imatinib Mesylate (Gleevec). That was in March 2009. There has since been several clinical trials for this first targeted cancer chemo drug. I have not said the above to to push you into paranoia, but to say that education of this many faced disease is very important for survival. I have not been NED (No Evidence of Disease on CT/X-Ray/PET SCANS scans) since I was told I was at stage IV. That was in Feb 2007, I am still here. i am still learning and working the problem as is my friend Charley who has been a non-NED Stage IV melanoma person for 15 years now.

                                                                               If your black spot does turn out to be melanoma and contains c-kit 9and particulrly on exon 11 you to could be in a fairly good place.  Of course we will pray that it's not melanoma.  Just be aware that there are treatment possibilities beyond what is even currently approved.

                                                                          momof4
                                                                          Participant

                                                                            So I had a punch biopsy today and it seems most of the area was in the nail plate only a little bit on the nail bed.  This seems to be much more promising than before but still need to get the results to know what is really going on.  Doesn't provide much explanation except if it isn't ALM than maybe I injured my nail in a similar area than as before.  If it is something atleast it doesn't seem to be very deep. I feel more confused than ever on this. Now the wait.

                                                                            momof4
                                                                            Participant

                                                                              So I had a punch biopsy today and it seems most of the area was in the nail plate only a little bit on the nail bed.  This seems to be much more promising than before but still need to get the results to know what is really going on.  Doesn't provide much explanation except if it isn't ALM than maybe I injured my nail in a similar area than as before.  If it is something atleast it doesn't seem to be very deep. I feel more confused than ever on this. Now the wait.

                                                                              momof4
                                                                              Participant

                                                                                So I had a punch biopsy today and it seems most of the area was in the nail plate only a little bit on the nail bed.  This seems to be much more promising than before but still need to get the results to know what is really going on.  Doesn't provide much explanation except if it isn't ALM than maybe I injured my nail in a similar area than as before.  If it is something atleast it doesn't seem to be very deep. I feel more confused than ever on this. Now the wait.

                                                                                  momof4
                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                    I am not sure how to edit my reply, but I worded it incorrectly.  Most of the the black spot was removed with the nail plate not in the nail plate. 

                                                                                    momof4
                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                      I am not sure how to edit my reply, but I worded it incorrectly.  Most of the the black spot was removed with the nail plate not in the nail plate. 

                                                                                      momof4
                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                        I am not sure how to edit my reply, but I worded it incorrectly.  Most of the the black spot was removed with the nail plate not in the nail plate. 

                                                                                        JerryfromFauq
                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                          Am I correct in understanding that the toe nail was removed and that the black spot was in the tissue under the nail?   There can be non-melanoma reasons for a black spot both i a nai and in the tissue beneath a nail.  i had a black spot that I thought was under a fingernail.  When I scraped the fingernail with my pocket knife,several months ago what ever the black stuff was it was in the middle of the nail, top was regular nail material.   Snowed the heck out of me. I had been concerned that it was under the nail. Fingernail has grown back complete with no lingering effects.  Am waiting for your patholgy report.    

                                                                                          Waiting and wondering,  So much F-U-n?

                                                                                          JerryfromFauq
                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                            Am I correct in understanding that the toe nail was removed and that the black spot was in the tissue under the nail?   There can be non-melanoma reasons for a black spot both i a nai and in the tissue beneath a nail.  i had a black spot that I thought was under a fingernail.  When I scraped the fingernail with my pocket knife,several months ago what ever the black stuff was it was in the middle of the nail, top was regular nail material.   Snowed the heck out of me. I had been concerned that it was under the nail. Fingernail has grown back complete with no lingering effects.  Am waiting for your patholgy report.    

                                                                                            Waiting and wondering,  So much F-U-n?

                                                                                            JerryfromFauq
                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                              Am I correct in understanding that the toe nail was removed and that the black spot was in the tissue under the nail?   There can be non-melanoma reasons for a black spot both i a nai and in the tissue beneath a nail.  i had a black spot that I thought was under a fingernail.  When I scraped the fingernail with my pocket knife,several months ago what ever the black stuff was it was in the middle of the nail, top was regular nail material.   Snowed the heck out of me. I had been concerned that it was under the nail. Fingernail has grown back complete with no lingering effects.  Am waiting for your patholgy report.    

                                                                                              Waiting and wondering,  So much F-U-n?

                                                                                              momof4
                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                Thats what I understood.  He said something like "Most of it came out with the nail plate.  I only had to cut out a small piece. Hopefully we have enough samples to determine what this is." That was not exact but what I remember.  I had to ask the nurse practitioner to repeat the care instructions twice because I couldn't concentrate on what she was telling me.  Thankfully my husband was there to be a second set of ears.  The hole from the punch biopsy is pretty good size hole but evenso we felt like it was good news it hadn't grown very deep.  The dermatologist's demeaner changed a little after the procedure.  I am not sure he was relieved that it hadn't penetrated too deep or that the punch biopsy was successful through the nail.  He seemed a little apprehensive beforehand.  Not sure he had ever done one before. I can't find anything else that could fit this considering it has been there over 3 years.  I just keep racking my brain thinking maybe I hurt my nail, it healed and then I hurt it again in around the same spot but that just doesn't make any sense either. It doesn't fit any fungus descriptions either.   If it is melanoma the fact it hadn't penetrated far in the skin would seem like it hadn't metastatized yet but could that really be the case years later? Yes the wait sucks, but your replies help. Thanks πŸ™‚

                                                                                                momof4
                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                  Thats what I understood.  He said something like "Most of it came out with the nail plate.  I only had to cut out a small piece. Hopefully we have enough samples to determine what this is." That was not exact but what I remember.  I had to ask the nurse practitioner to repeat the care instructions twice because I couldn't concentrate on what she was telling me.  Thankfully my husband was there to be a second set of ears.  The hole from the punch biopsy is pretty good size hole but evenso we felt like it was good news it hadn't grown very deep.  The dermatologist's demeaner changed a little after the procedure.  I am not sure he was relieved that it hadn't penetrated too deep or that the punch biopsy was successful through the nail.  He seemed a little apprehensive beforehand.  Not sure he had ever done one before. I can't find anything else that could fit this considering it has been there over 3 years.  I just keep racking my brain thinking maybe I hurt my nail, it healed and then I hurt it again in around the same spot but that just doesn't make any sense either. It doesn't fit any fungus descriptions either.   If it is melanoma the fact it hadn't penetrated far in the skin would seem like it hadn't metastatized yet but could that really be the case years later? Yes the wait sucks, but your replies help. Thanks πŸ™‚

                                                                                                  momof4
                                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                                    Thats what I understood.  He said something like "Most of it came out with the nail plate.  I only had to cut out a small piece. Hopefully we have enough samples to determine what this is." That was not exact but what I remember.  I had to ask the nurse practitioner to repeat the care instructions twice because I couldn't concentrate on what she was telling me.  Thankfully my husband was there to be a second set of ears.  The hole from the punch biopsy is pretty good size hole but evenso we felt like it was good news it hadn't grown very deep.  The dermatologist's demeaner changed a little after the procedure.  I am not sure he was relieved that it hadn't penetrated too deep or that the punch biopsy was successful through the nail.  He seemed a little apprehensive beforehand.  Not sure he had ever done one before. I can't find anything else that could fit this considering it has been there over 3 years.  I just keep racking my brain thinking maybe I hurt my nail, it healed and then I hurt it again in around the same spot but that just doesn't make any sense either. It doesn't fit any fungus descriptions either.   If it is melanoma the fact it hadn't penetrated far in the skin would seem like it hadn't metastatized yet but could that really be the case years later? Yes the wait sucks, but your replies help. Thanks πŸ™‚

                                                                                                    Linny
                                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                                      A relaxed demeanor is definitely better than one where the doctor is stressed and struggling with how to explain something to you. Regardless of the outcome, it's good that you had it removed.

                                                                                                      Linny
                                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                                        A relaxed demeanor is definitely better than one where the doctor is stressed and struggling with how to explain something to you. Regardless of the outcome, it's good that you had it removed.

                                                                                                        Linny
                                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                                          A relaxed demeanor is definitely better than one where the doctor is stressed and struggling with how to explain something to you. Regardless of the outcome, it's good that you had it removed.

                                                                                                        momof4
                                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                                          I just received the pathology results and it was just blood under my nail!  I guess I injured my nail in the same vicinity as I did several years ago and didn't realize it.  Its all very crazy but I guess anything can happen.  I want to thank everybody who repsonded to me.  I really appreciate all the replies while I was waiting for my results.  I also want to finish this post for anyone else who is in the same situation and is looking for answers like I was.  This post has a lot of great information on it for anyone who things they may have a subungual melanoma and as someone pointed out earlier you don't actually have melanoma until the pathology report confirms it.  I was certain I did and I was wrong but in the meantime it was very helpful to be as informed as possible.  Thanks again πŸ™‚   

                                                                                                            JerryfromFauq
                                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                                              YEP, we worry, often more than necessary!  So very glad that you learned thngs and that you posted to both let us know your results and to help others that may be in a similiar situation. 

                                                                                                                  Worry can be a good driving force to help us get things done.  Amazing what knowldge can then do to get us reay to go either way.  Isn't the knowledge that this was a non-sserious worry great to find out? 

                                                                                                              so glad for you.

                                                                                                              JerryfromFauq
                                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                                YEP, we worry, often more than necessary!  So very glad that you learned thngs and that you posted to both let us know your results and to help others that may be in a similiar situation. 

                                                                                                                    Worry can be a good driving force to help us get things done.  Amazing what knowldge can then do to get us reay to go either way.  Isn't the knowledge that this was a non-sserious worry great to find out? 

                                                                                                                so glad for you.

                                                                                                                JerryfromFauq
                                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                                  YEP, we worry, often more than necessary!  So very glad that you learned thngs and that you posted to both let us know your results and to help others that may be in a similiar situation. 

                                                                                                                      Worry can be a good driving force to help us get things done.  Amazing what knowldge can then do to get us reay to go either way.  Isn't the knowledge that this was a non-sserious worry great to find out? 

                                                                                                                  so glad for you.

                                                                                                                  Linny
                                                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                                                    What fantastic news! Now go out and celebrate. cool

                                                                                                                    Linny
                                                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                                                      What fantastic news! Now go out and celebrate. cool

                                                                                                                      elylrac
                                                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                                                        hi can i ask the color? im also scared can i have an email so i can send photos pls

                                                                                                                        elylrac
                                                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                                                          hi can i ask the color? im also scared can i have an email so i can send photos pls

                                                                                                                          elylrac
                                                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                                                            hi can i ask the color? im also scared can i have an email so i can send photos pls

                                                                                                                            gonmei
                                                                                                                            Participant
                                                                                                                              Hello, I’m kind of confused on what to think right now. A month ago, I found a mole right under the corner of my right big toe nail. Dark blackish brown in colour. And now, today, I found two other darknening marks in the corners of my left big toe nail. I think I’m low-key freaking out. I could use your help. Please.
                                                                                                                              Linny
                                                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                                                What fantastic news! Now go out and celebrate. cool

                                                                                                                              momof4
                                                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                                                I just received the pathology results and it was just blood under my nail!  I guess I injured my nail in the same vicinity as I did several years ago and didn't realize it.  Its all very crazy but I guess anything can happen.  I want to thank everybody who repsonded to me.  I really appreciate all the replies while I was waiting for my results.  I also want to finish this post for anyone else who is in the same situation and is looking for answers like I was.  This post has a lot of great information on it for anyone who things they may have a subungual melanoma and as someone pointed out earlier you don't actually have melanoma until the pathology report confirms it.  I was certain I did and I was wrong but in the meantime it was very helpful to be as informed as possible.  Thanks again πŸ™‚   

                                                                                                                                momof4
                                                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                                                  I just received the pathology results and it was just blood under my nail!  I guess I injured my nail in the same vicinity as I did several years ago and didn't realize it.  Its all very crazy but I guess anything can happen.  I want to thank everybody who repsonded to me.  I really appreciate all the replies while I was waiting for my results.  I also want to finish this post for anyone else who is in the same situation and is looking for answers like I was.  This post has a lot of great information on it for anyone who things they may have a subungual melanoma and as someone pointed out earlier you don't actually have melanoma until the pathology report confirms it.  I was certain I did and I was wrong but in the meantime it was very helpful to be as informed as possible.  Thanks again πŸ™‚   

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                                                                                                                              The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

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