As a mother of three, Lucy Thompson, 35, from Hull, East Yorkshire, knows the importance of staying vigilant and checking for any changes in her body. Her recent experience with subungual melanoma, a rare type of skin cancer that develops under the nail, serves as a stark reminder to beauty lovers to regularly inspect their nail beds for any suspicious marks or blemishes. “I was aware of it and thought ‘I’ll just keep an eye on it’ but wasn’t worried,” Lucy recalls about the day she noticed a black, vertical line on her left thumb after popping off her orange, ombre acrylic nails in April 2023. At first, she didn’t think much of it, but her friend’s advice to visit the doctor weeks later changed everything. The GP referred Lucy to hospital for further tests, and after a biopsy, doctors confirmed the presence of pre-cancerous cells that could have developed into skin cancer if left untreated. Thankfully, Lucy didn’t require further treatment, but her experience has left her with a newfound sense of urgency to warn others about the importance of regular nail checks.
- According to the Cleveland Clinic, subungual melanoma is a rare but serious type of skin cancer that develops under your nail.
- It most commonly appears as dark brown or black streaks on your nail.
- Unlike other skin cancers, subungual melanoma isn’t linked to sun exposure and is most likely to develop in your big toe, thumb or index finger.
Lucy’s story highlights the importance of staying vigilant and checking for any changes in your body. She emphasizes the need to get suspicious marks or blemishes checked by a doctor as soon as possible, as the sooner treatment is sought, the better the chances of successful removal and prevention of further complications.
| Warning Signs of Subungual Melanoma | What to Do |
|---|---|
| A black, vertical line or streak on your nail | Visit your doctor and schedule a biopsy |
| A change in the color or shape of your nail | Visit your doctor and schedule a biopsy |
| A pain or swelling in your nail or surrounding area | Visit your doctor and schedule a biopsy |
“If left untreated, there was a really high possibility that it would’ve become skin cancer,” Lucy warns. “I regularly have a check of all my nails now. I only rarely get my nails done now and if I do I only have them on for a week or so.”
The chances of survival are high when subungual melanoma is detected early, with a survival rate of about 95% when it’s caught at an early stage and treated quickly. However, the sooner treatment is sought, the better the chances of successful removal and prevention of further complications. “The more you put it off, the more dangerous it can be,” Lucy stresses. “I have a lot of friends that get their nails done all the time and just get infills and I’ve always said ‘tell [the manicurist] to take the lot off’ so they can check their nailbeds.”
As Lucy’s story demonstrates, the importance of regular nail checks cannot be overstated. By staying vigilant and checking for any changes in your body, you can help prevent the development of skin cancer and ensure a higher chance of successful treatment.
“I have a lot of friends that get their nails done all the time and just get infills and I’ve always said ‘tell [the manicurist] to take the lot off’ so they can check their nailbeds.”
The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes that subungual melanoma is a rare but serious type of skin cancer that develops under your nail, and it’s essential to stay vigilant and check for any suspicious marks or blemishes. By doing so, you can help prevent the development of skin cancer and ensure a higher chance of successful treatment. “If you see a mark on your nail, any changes, just get yourself checked at the doctors,” Lucy advises. “The chances are it’ll be nothing, but if it is something, the sooner you get seen, the sooner you can get it treated.”
By taking the necessary precautions and staying vigilant, you can help prevent the development of subungual melanoma and ensure a higher chance of successful treatment. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. “I regularly have a check of all my nails now. I only rarely get my nails done now and if I do I only have them on for a week or so,” Lucy says, emphasizing the importance of regular nail checks. By doing so, you can help prevent the development of skin cancer and ensure a higher chance of successful treatment. “The more you put it off, the more dangerous it can be,” Lucy stresses, highlighting the importance of prompt treatment. By taking the necessary precautions and staying vigilant, you can help prevent the development of subungual melanoma and ensure a higher chance of successful treatment.
news is a contributor at DiskManicure. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.
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