terrified it's melanoma

[mothermac]

I have had a black mark on my toenail for the past 4 months now and I got it checked 2 weeks ago.The doctor referred me to the plastic surgeons outpatients urgently and the specialist has mentioned that sometimes melanoma can appear under the toenail as a black mark or bruise and I am terrified.I have to go into the surgical day unit next Monday and have my toenail removed and a biopsy done.He said if its melanoma they will have to cut the toe off and we know the rest of the treatment don't we? My husband says try to chill as we don't know yet but I am really worried and I mean REALLY scared.I do have a very vague memeory of hitting it on a trolley wheel at work but I am just praying it's a bruise and nothing else.My anxiety is through the roof at the moment and I thought I wouldn't sleep well but surprisingly I have been.I think it's nice to shut my mind off for a while and forget,but it's there as soon as I wake up.I have been off work on leave this last week and I have a shift tonight and how can I act normal with all this worry in my head,I feel like bursting into tears all the time.

[Cazziebloom]

Shame mothermac. I know it's hard to try and think positive. But I'm with you, as far as I'm concerned a black mark under a toe nail is more than likely a bruise not melanoma, I mean we often bump or hurt ourselves without even realising it until a bruise or something comes up. Try not to dwell on it too much ( I know easier said than down, when we anxious like that.) I'm sure everything will be fine.

[pollyanna]

Hi Mothermac.

lets start off with a wee hug :hugs:. i can understand a fear, that is so overwhelming, the chances are it will be a bruise, this is being done as a precaution, but i know our minds just go down a one track road...

just try and get through the rest of the week, and monday will be here before you know, and then the procedure will be done, its that hanging around waiting for things to happen that is the worst, and making up all the worst scenarios in our heads... keep your mind busy with other things as best you can.

sending lots of postive thoughts your way................:)

tc

P x

[Emira7]

Hey

I have had a mark like that under my toe for ages!! I think its discolouration from nail varnish. I have not had it checked, but like I said, have had it for so so long now. It has not changed or got bigger or anything.

They will move quickly on these things, I am a Practice Manager, and these things no matter what the GP suspects it is have quick referral guidelines.

I know its difficult but try not to run a zillion miles ahead of yourself. Try to stay in the moment, and think positively

Good luck and much love

Emira
xxx

[JohnnyLamb]

Be calm Mothermac ... be calm.

Subungual hematoma is VERY frequently confused with subungual melanoma. Furthermore, and not to cast your doctor in a poor light, but, only Dermatologists are qualified to reliably make this distinction.

Also, based upon my experience and research, your entire toenail MAY not need to be removed, when it can be softened with water, anesthitized (sp?), and be punch- biopsied to removed a small section for pathology. This is a routine dematological procedure.

If you don't mind me asking: What does this mark look like? Does it look like a long, thin stripe. Is it a blotch? Does it emanate from the top of your toenail? From the bottom? From the side?

Be steady. Even if it is the worst-case, which it most likely is NOT, four-months is a very short time in terms of melanoma growth.

YOU"RE OK!!!

[Maj]

I've had a black mark under my toenail for months but I know exactly what happened. I was on a long walk with the wrong shoes. My toe was sore the next day but looked okay. The day after it was black and has been like that ever since - 3 months ago!!! My husband told me it will be like that for a long time (because of previous football playing experience). It could be something simple like this?
Myra:hugs:

[mothermac]

Hi guys,it was such a comfort to read all of your replies to me.I am so touched at all of your kindeness. Johnnylamb you have put some sort of rational thought in my head,something I haven't had from this thing since I discovered it.It is or loks like a black smudge mark(it is not a stripe)and is to the side of the nail.The surrounding skin next to the nail isn't affected, and looks as normal as it ever did.It doesn't hit the cuticle and hasn't grown in size at all.I feel as though I am clutching at straws all the time but wouldn't a melanoma get bigger or change in someway?
Thanks again for taking the time to read my post and I will keep you all informed of the result,good or bad.I couldn't sleep tonight by the way which is why the post at 1.30am.xx

[Andyroo]

Hello

My wife had a melanoma and as soon as the doctors saw it they knew it wasnt normal... plus it was changing shape every few weeks.

When that happens its not normal.. they knew straight away there was somthing wrong!

Even then the caught it straight away and she's just fine.. they just removed it she didnt need any kind of treatment.

if you need to talk feel free to pm me ive went threw this all before.. im sure everything if fine!

:hugs:

[JohnnyLamb]

I'm delighted to help. I just wish I could talk myself down...

[LeighD]

Hi mothermac,

Just read the description of your smudge as I wanted to give you some more reassurance - see my other post to you today.

It definitely does not sound too sinister to me. Firstly, subungual melanomas tend to originate in the "moon" part of the nail, and secondly, as JohnnyLamb mentioned, grow in a straight stripe down the nail. This was one of the first thing the skin cancer specialist said to me. (PS I live in the skin cancer capital of the world - Australia - so I have faith that they know their stuff).

I am convinced all will be well. Just be patient as the bruise will take ages to grow out.

Regards
Leigh