Nail changes: Early warning signs of serious health risks
Cancer cells can be very deceptive as they develop in our bodies, often not revealing their existence immediately. Sometimes, they send unclear signals. One of the possible symptoms of cancer can be changes visible in the nails. What should concern us?
8:43 PM EST, November 20, 2024
Changes in the nails can result from natural aging, fungal infections, or minor injuries and should generally not cause concern. However, in some cases, a change in the appearance of nails may indicate serious health problems.
Brown or black spots under the nail are usually the result of a hematoma but can also suggest the presence of a tumor. Specific symptoms are involved here.
What changes may signal nail melanoma?
Dark streaks or bands under the nails may be a symptom of subungual melanoma. Thickening of the nail plate can also be observed. This dangerous condition sometimes manifests as a dark mole.
It's worth knowing that this type of cancer often does not give any warning signs. It develops covertly and is usually detected when it has already spread to other organs, reducing the patient's chances of recovery.
However, it is important to note that nail melanoma is relatively rare—it accounts for about 2% of all melanoma cases. At the same time, it is very aggressive and quickly becomes malignant.
These are also symptoms of other skin cancers
Other skin cancers that may develop under the nail include squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Diagnosing subungual melanoma is challenging for both patients and doctors. It requires appropriate tests and careful observation of skin changes.
A dark streak running perpendicular to the skin from under the nail can first be noticed during this disease, which is characteristic of this type of cancer.
Statistical studies show that in 50% of patients, this change is dark blue or brown. In other cases, the streak remains unpigmented, and the color appears only in the advanced stages of the disease. Black dots under the nail's surface, which may also indicate cancer, are also worth noting.
Over time, symptoms may include brown spots under the nail, changes in its shape, deformities, and cracking, as well as dark nodules, bleeding, red or yellowish spots, ulcers, and wounds on these areas of the body that heal poorly. Unfortunately, these symptoms may indicate a more advanced stage of cancer.
Symptoms accompanying skin cancer also include chronic fatigue and rapid weight loss that is not related to diet changes, medication, or intense physical activity. Significant deterioration in well-being is often observed, even after nighttime rest.
