What can be mistaken for Subungual melanoma?

Some conditions that may look similar to subungual melanoma include: onychomycosis, which is fungal nail infection. paronychia, an infection of the nail bed. pyogenic granuloma, which are overgrowths of nail tissue.

What does Subungual melanoma look like?

‌You have a brown-black colored band on your nail that is larger than three millimeters in size with irregularly shaped edges. The discoloration grows, and at what rate it does so. It’s in the nail bed of your thumb, big toe, or index finger, although it can be seen in other fingers and toes.

What does a black line on your toenail mean?

This condition is called a splinter hemorrhage because it may look like a wood splinter under your nail. The condition is caused by damaged small blood vessels underneath your nail. Characteristics include the following: It’s black or reddish brown in color.

Does Subungual melanoma start at cuticle?

What does melanoma of the nail unit look like? Subungual melanoma often starts as a pigmented band visible the length of the nail plate (melanonychia). Over weeks to months, the pigment band: Becomes wider, especially at its proximal end (cuticle)

Does Subungual melanoma occur in more than one nail?

Subungual melanocytic naevus or melanoma were unlikely as multiple nail units were affected. Subungual melanoma was also unlikely due to the absence of micro-Hutchinson’s sign and Hutchinson’s sign.

Can Subungual melanoma be benign?

Subungual pigmentation can have benign and malignant etiologies. A common and important differential diagnosis is between subungual hematoma and subungual acrolentiginous melanoma.

How is Subungual melanoma diagnosed?

A diagnosis of subungual melanoma will usually made with careful inspection of the nail and lesion. Dermatologists will use a tool called a dermascope, which provides a magnified view of the nail and surrounding tissue. A definitive diagnosis can only be made with a biopsy.

What does melanoma look like under a fingernail?

a light- to dark-brown colored band on the nail that’s usually vertical. a dark band on the nail that slowly expands and covers more of the nail. dark nail pigmentation that expands to the surrounding skin. a nodule underneath the nail with or without a pigmentation band.

How aggressive is subungual melanoma?

Subungual melanomas are fairly uncommon, and the lack of experience can result in an unnecessarily aggressive approach to treatment. While having an excellent care team around you is important, you remain the most important facet of that team.

Can subungual melanoma be benign?

What color is Subungual melanoma?

Subungual melanoma presents as brown-black discolorations of the nail bed. It can present as either a streak of pigment or irregular pigmentation. The discoloration can progress to thickening, splitting, or destruction of the nail with pain and inflammation.