Agueal melanoma, also called subungueal melanoma, is a rare type of cancer that appears on the nails and can be noticed by the presence of a dark vertical spot on the nail that increases over time.This type of melanoma is more common in adults and does not have a specific cause, as its onset is due to genetic factors.
This type of melanoma is considered the most deadly, since it is often confused with bruises or fungi, which ultimately delays the diagnosis and the start of treatment; however, when quickly identified, melanoma of the nails has a high chance of recovery.
- The main symptom of nail melanoma is the appearance of a dark spot.
- Usually brown or black and erect.
- On the sticker or on the big toe.
- Which does not pass over time and increases in thickness.
- In addition.
- Other signs and symptoms may be observed.
- Such as bleeding at the site and the appearance of a lump under the nail that may or may not have pigmentation.
- In addition.
- In more advanced cases.
- You can observe the destruction of the nail and the stain can be present throughout its length.
Ungueal melanoma has no specific cause, but it is believed to be directly related to genetic factors, and therefore prolonged and frequent exposure to ultraviolet rays, which is the main cause of skin melanoma, can stimulate the expression of cancer-related genes. , which leads to the development of the disease.
Because subungueal ringworm can be easily mistaken for a hematoma or infection, as the diagnosis is mostly late, which can lead to complications for the person, including metastasis, in which malignant cells spread to other parts of the body.
Therefore, in case the presence of a dark vertical stain on the nail is checked, it is best to go to the dermatologist to evaluate the nail and a biopsy, which is the only diagnostic method available to confirm. nail melanoma.
Although melanoma of the nails is often mistaken for a yeast infection, the two situations have few similarities. In fact, in fungal infection, there are changes in the structure of the nail, such as changes in color and changes in the thickness and texture of the nail. it does not occur in subungual melanoma. Learn to recognize a fungal nail infection.
Treatment of nail melanoma is surgical and often needs to be removed from the nail and affected tissues.In the most severe cases, when melanoma is already more advanced, amputation of a finger may be necessary, followed by radio and chemotherapy, as the risk of metastasis is higher.
It is important that the diagnosis and treatment is made in the first suggestive alteration of melanoma, because this can increase the chances of recovery.