What does black toenail cancer look like?

What does black toenail cancer look like?

What are the signs and symptoms of nail cancer? Subungual melanomas usually appear as darkened spots that run longitudinally on the toenail bed. They can be brown, blue, or black in color. Some may even lack color (non-pigmented).

Does a black toenail mean cancer?

In rare cases, a black toenail may be caused by melanoma. Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanoma causes the skin to develop one or more patches of dark, irregular-looking skin. In some cases, the patch of darkening skin grows beneath the nail bed.

How do you know if you have nail cancer?

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.

Why do I have a black spot on my toenail?

Nail Trauma: If you’ve recently injured the area, the black spot under the nail may be a type of bruise referred to as a subungual hematoma. As a result of an injury, blood pools under the nail leading to discoloration. This type of hematoma is commonly caused by stubbing a toe or from sports trauma.

Why do I have a black mark on my nail?

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.

How do I know if my toenail is black or melanoma?

Diagnosing subungual melanoma

  1. brown or black bands of color that increase in size over time.
  2. change in skin pigment (darkening around the affected nail)
  3. splitting nail or bleeding nail.
  4. drainage (pus) and pain.
  5. delayed healing of nail lesions or trauma.
  6. separation of the nail from the nail bed.

What does a black spot on my nail mean?

Red or black spots may be splinter hemorrhages associated with endocarditis. The spots may be subungual hematomas from trauma or a fingernail injury. It can also be a skin cancer like melanoma or squamous cell cancer. If you aren’t feeling well, or if it doesn’t go away, call your doctor.

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