What Causes Benign Longitudinal Melanonychia?
You should get well
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the site!
I am Dr V XXXXXXX a Sr Consultant Dermatologist. I empathize with you because you are facing a problem that has not been explained and dealt with to your complete satisfaction till date
I will help you to have essential knowledge as well guide you to go for necessary investigations and management.
I have examined your pics as well and think that keeping all the facts stated by you in mind, there is less probability of your problem being malignant and thereby needing any major surgery. However, it is our duty to do all that is possible to keep you safe and healthy.
In order to rule out any risk of spread of the problem, I would advise anyone having similar profile to undergo nail matrix biopsy.It is possible to comment upon the lesion sometimes just on the basis of Dermoscopy. I would be glad to see the reports of Dermoscopy if that is available with you.
Here I would point out that racial, hormonal, traumatic, and association with other skin diseases can too sometimes present in this manner and hope that these have been looked into by the dermatologists that you visited earlier. I would like to know if any other nails too are involved or oral lining or genital linings are similarly affected. Please also inform of any family history of such diseases in the family.
Sun exposure and food habits are unlikely to have caused this.
The details of outcome, amputation, morbidity, and such queries should be deferred for now as these depend upon the outcome of biopsy report. Even in the worst cases, a complete excision of lesions should result in cure. I feel that maintaining a positive attitude will help resolve the issue more effectively. We are going to work together towards your complete recovery.
In the meantime, no special measures are needed except for close observation an a photographic record of the progress.I assume that no staining agents, chemicals, drugs, or hormonal preparations have been used and as such are not correlated to the existing problem.
I am sure, you will supply the required details and together we can handle the problem in the best possible way.
Our best wishes!
Doctor, I would like to know what is a nail matrix biopsy? Is it something removing my nail? I will grow no nail after that? Is it the only biopsy? Is it the sole test to rule out melanoma? How much does this cost? What will be the complications and steps forward in the report being either benign or malignant?
Even after being benign for years, could it turn malignant, say after 10 years? Removing the nail would cause it to vanish? Will I grow a clean nail after that?
Thanks for details
Detailed Answer:
Hi Dear
Welcome back with details.
I have examined your pics.
Here are additional comments on your queries:
Nail matrix biopsy includes deeper part of the nail so that one gets to learn about the process undergoing therein without missing anything.
This involves removing a part of the nail. In fact, just a bit.
The nail usually grows back without any significant remnant of procedure.
This is the best procedure required in such cases. No other investigation will be as contributory as this one
Cost depends upon various factors including location, type of setup, and in XXXXXXX can vary from Rs 2K-4K. However, these can vary widely.
There are complications like bleeding or infection but those are highly unlikely.
Benign lesions can be left as such while malignant lesions need surgical removal.
A benign lesion can turn malignant after any length of time.
Results of surgery are at best predictable to some extent but there is a good chance of complete removal of lesion in most such cases.
It is very likely to regrow clean nail after surgery.
I hope your queries are answered and will do my best to explain anything further should you so desire.
Best wishes
We need to do what is in your best interest
Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir
I appreciate your responses.
I am of the opinion that while deciding to take some action, one should know what one is dealing with. Leaving the problem diagnosed has attendant risks.You are not over fearing but are concerned.
Being concerned about health is a plus point while worrying may not be so.The decision to go for a biopsy depends upon personal preferences as well.Your dermatologist is one of the best persons to guide you and will advise you about the next steps.
I wish you never had the problem but since it is bothering, you need specialist help to cope up. I am concerned that you should get well soon.
I hope you will decide what is best for you in the light of available information.
Our best wishes, always!
Thank you again for your kind response.
welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hi
You are welcome.
Best wishes