Suggest Treatment For Melanoma Under The Nails

Posted on Sun, 30 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 30 Apr 2017 Answered on

Mon, 22 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,
I just wanted to check if I need to go see a dermatologist for one of my nails. When I was a child, I smashed my finger and had to have my nail drilled to release blood. The nail eventually fell off and grew back, but has looked different than other nails since that time. I am a 31 year old white male. Should I be concerned that the attached image is melanoma under the nail?

Thank you,

XXXXXXX

I just asked this question but no image was allowed to be attached. I sustained a finger nail injury about 20 years ago as a child. I had the nail drilled to remove blood and it eventually fell off. The nail that grew back has always looked a little odd. After reading some things on the internet, I am wondering if I need to consult a dermatologist to see if this might be something serious like melanoma.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Based on the image you uploaded and the history you detailed, the nail does have these 3 brownish spots. If they are new and have changed color or raised from the nail surface then a biopsy can be advised. If these spots have been there for long and haven't changed in terms of size , color, depth etc and there are no symptoms other than that then there is no need for a biopsy and it can be observed. Yes, there is no harm in obtaining the opinion of a consultant dermatologist.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar