I Have A Discoloration Under The Nail Of My Right

Posted on Wed, 8 Jul 2020

Question: I have a discoloration under the nail of my right big toe. Not sure how long it’s been there but I think at least a few months or longer. My dermatologist looked at it and said it was not a cancer but he didn’t know what it was without doing a biopsy and he said he did not want to do that because it would cause too much damage to my toe for a result he knew would be benign. I have attached a few pictures any idea what this would be?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not something serious

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I have gone through your query and reviewed the images.

It is most likely a nail bed nevus. It does not look like cancer- well defined, small in size, uniformly colored. I advise you to not worry about it.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if you need any more assistance

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

What is that exactly? And could it progress to cancer? What are the characteristics of cancer under the nail?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding a nevus

Detailed Answer:
hi.
A nevus is like a mole anywhere else on body. Chances of a cancer arisiing from a nevus are minimal and similar to what they are from a mole anywhere else on body. Cancer arising from a nevus (melanoma) at nail would present as an large, irregular area of pigmentation, sometimes also with ulceration and breakage of the nail plate.
Take care.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng