Uploaded February 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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Nail bed melanoma (or subungal melanoma) development under a fingernail or toenail from early to late stage. Created using generative AI.

Early stage melanoma can be confused with non-cancerous nail conditions such as melanonychia, subungual haematoma, drug-induced pigmentation, ethnic-type pigmentation. Characteristics that suggest melanoma over more benign conditions include:

• broad bands of pigment (wider than 3 mm)
• dark brown to black colour
• irregular colours
• fuzzy or blurred lateral borders
• irregular bands that are not parallel, often wider at the proximal end
• presence of pigmentation on the adjacent skin (Hutchinson’s sign)
• nail dystrophy and/or ulceration.

Video created by Dr. Christopher Chang:
FauquierENT.net

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#melanoma #nailmelanoma #fingernailmelanoma #skincancer