What are the symptoms of toenail melanoma

The main symptoms of toenail melanoma include black or brown vertical streaks on the nail, nail deformation or thickening, pain or discomfort. Treatment options include surgical removal, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Toenail melanoma is a serious skin cancer, and early detection and treatment are crucial.

1. Black or brown vertical stripes on the nails are typical symptoms of toenail melanoma. These stripes usually extend from the nail bed to the far end of the nail, and may gradually increase in width and color. If you find unexplained black stripes on your nails, especially if they are wider than 3 mm or uneven in color, you should seek medical attention for professional examination in a timely manner.

2. Nail deformation or thickening is also a common manifestation of toenail melanoma. As the disease progresses, the nails may become rough, brittle, or even crack or fall off. Nail deformation may be related to the growth of the tumor compressing the nail bed. In this case, imaging examinations are needed as soon as possible to assess the extent and depth of the tumor.

3. Pain or discomfort is a late symptom of toenail melanoma. When the tumor invades surrounding tissues or nerves, the patient may feel persistent pain or discomfort. This pain is usually difficult to relieve with conventional painkillers and requires comprehensive treatment methods such as surgical resection, chemotherapy and immunotherapy to control the condition.

Early diagnosis and treatment of toenail melanoma are crucial to prognosis. It is recommended to conduct regular self-examination of the skin and nails and seek medical attention promptly if abnormalities are found. Comprehensive measures such as surgical resection, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can effectively control the disease and improve survival rates.