Generally Speaking What Does Melanoma Under A Toenail Look Like?

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Joseph Russell answered
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that can be deadly. It can also occur on parts of the body that are not easily examined, such as under a toenail. The type of melanoma that affects your toenail is called acrul lentiginous melanoma.  In the United States, this type of melanoma accounts for about five percent of all diagnosed cases. Melanoma under a toenail can first appear as a dark stripe under a nail, most often on the big toe. Knowing all of the warning signs of this deadly disease can help to save your life, so it's imperative to be informed. 

Melanoma can be caused and or aggravated by overexposure to the sun. People who cannot avoid exposure to the sun need to wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to minimize the risk. Melanoma under a nail can be especially difficult to spot on dark skinned people since many of these people have benign nail streaks, which is one of the first warning signs.

Melanoma can also develop without an obvious nail steak and can appear very much like a chronic infection of the nail bed. If you suspect you may have this form of cancer, it is imperative to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible to find out for sure. Once it is diagnosed, it can be treated effectively with radiation and chemotherapy if it is caught soon enough. Early diagnosis is the key, so keep a close eye on your skin and toenails to stay in the best possible health. 

Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer that affects millions of Americans every year. Know if you are in one of the risk groups, and take action to keep your skin and your health safe from this deadly cancer that takes lives every year in this country.

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