What Does Ligh Brown Line Running From Cuticle To The End Of Nail Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 23 May 2014

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

Fri, 23 May 2014 Answered on

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a light/ faint brown line about 2 mm in width running from my cuticle to the end of my nail. I have a dermatologist appointment next week but I am worried about it. I believe it has been there for 5 or more years and hasn't changed in color or size that I can recall. I had routine bloodwork done last week and nothing was out of the ordinary. If it were melanoma, would the bloodwork detect it on the fingernail? Any insight is appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This does not sound like melanoma.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Can you please attach a picture of this nail?
No, melanoma would not give any changes in the blood work. No doubt in that. If it is with you for 5 years, and no changes in shape, color, size, no pain or itching, most likely it is not a melanoma. So please do not be afraid, melanoma is very rare cancer. However dermatologist appointment is a good idea.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (30 minutes later)

I have attached a photo, please let me know if you are able to view it.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
.

Detailed Answer:
Yes,I can see it. This definitelly does not look like melanoma. So no need to worry about it. Just wait for your dermatologist visit and consult him.

Regards

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