What Causes Pigmented Spot On The Nail Of The Great Toe?

Posted on Sat, 11 Jan 2014

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

Sat, 11 Jan 2014 Answered on

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have attached an image of a pigmented spot on the nail of the great toe. What does this mean?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (46 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Melanonychia

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

The image you have attached shows a pigmented spot on the nail of the great toe. Based on the appearance I suspect it to be Melanonychia.

Melanonychia is not a serious condition if it is constant or slowing growing. In that case the lesion could be caused by any injury, systemic disease or medications. If the lesion is fast growing then there are chances of it being due to Melanoma a cancer.

If its fast growing you may have to consult a dermatologist and get a biopsy of the nil done to rule out cancer.

regards,

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