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Suggest Ways To Rule Out Subungual Melanoma

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Posted on Tue, 14 Nov 2017
Question: I have noticed very faint line on my fingertips
Picture attached. I’m concerned it might be
subungual melanoma.
Please advise


doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Linear melanonychia - most likely a benign melanocyte proliferation

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you.

I am Dr. kakkar(Dermatologist). I have noted your concern and I have viewed the image.

A faintly dark, thin, uniformly coloured line and with well defined edges along the nail plate is most likely to be due to a benign melanocytic proliferation rather than due to a subungual melanoma. A subungual melanoma usually presents with a broader, variably coloured line (blue, black, red etc) along the nail plate which is illdefined, irregular bordered and usually also extends on to the adjacent nail fold (Hutchinson's sign).

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 minutes later)
How should I follow up?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No follow up needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Its benign. No follow up needed.
You may just keep a watch on it- if it changes over time i.e gets broader, ill defined, irregular, develops color variegation or involves the proximal nail fold.

Regards
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Rule Out Subungual Melanoma

Brief Answer: Linear melanonychia - most likely a benign melanocyte proliferation Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you. I am Dr. kakkar(Dermatologist). I have noted your concern and I have viewed the image. A faintly dark, thin, uniformly coloured line and with well defined edges along the nail plate is most likely to be due to a benign melanocytic proliferation rather than due to a subungual melanoma. A subungual melanoma usually presents with a broader, variably coloured line (blue, black, red etc) along the nail plate which is illdefined, irregular bordered and usually also extends on to the adjacent nail fold (Hutchinson's sign). Regards