What are the signs and symptoms of subungual melanoma?

Doctor's Answers 1

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Dr Jipson Quah

General Practitioner

Subungual melanoma is a special type of melanoma in the nails which typically begins in the nail matrix. This is unlike the other types of nail melanoma.

It can be mistaken for a subungual hematoma or bruise. Subungual melanoma is considered a rare condition as compared to the other types of skin cancers.

Melanoma rarely presents with other significant symptoms, is known to metastasize silently and cause severe complications which may require digit or limb amputation.

Some symptoms of subungual melanoma are:

  • dark nail pigmentation
  • nail brittleness
  • bleeding at the pigmentation
  • vertical brown colour on the band

With that, please see your doctor to evaluate your nails if you suspect a melanoma. it is important as early detection and treatment can make a difference.

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During your skin check with your dermatologist, you will often be asked some questions and examined to assess your risk for development of skin cancers. This may include: Fair skin that burns easily History of severe sunburns or sunbed use Multiple abnormal moles Family history of skin cancer Conditions or medicines that suppress the immune system Exposure to arsenic If you answer yes to any of these, you are at a slightly higher risk of developing skin cancer.

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Answered By

Dr Stephanie Ho

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What should I expect from melanoma treatment in Singapore?

Hi Wei Chiang, Sorry to hear that your father has been given such bad news. The next steps will depend on how deep the melanoma is. For shallow melanomas, surgical removal with good margins may be adequate. For deeper melanomas, he will require surgical removal of the melanoma and referral to an oncologist for further staging. This refers to investigations to check if there is a spread to the neighbouring lymph nodes or other organs. In advanced cases, immunotherapy or targeted therapy may be required.

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Answered By

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