What are the symptoms of subungual melanoma?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on December 31, 2024
00:00
00:00

Subungual melanoma, clinically, displays different symptoms depending on the stage. In its early stages, subungual melanoma primarily manifests as changes in nail color, with some cases showing localized thickening of the nail. As the melanoma progresses, abnormal secretions such as bloody or serous fluids may appear under the nail, and the nail itself may become uneven. As the subungual melanoma invades surrounding tissues, symptoms such as swelling, pain, or bleeding in the localized fingernail may occur. In advanced stages, symptoms of metastatic sites, such as coughing, chest pain, and chest tightness from lung metastases, can also manifest.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Rui
Oncology
52sec home-news-image

Is melanoma easy to get?

Melanoma is not easy to contract, with relatively low incidence and mortality rates. Melanoma is a tumor derived from the malignant transformation of melanocytes, highly malignant, often occurring in the skin but also in mucous membranes, the choroid of the eye, the pia mater, and other various parts and tissues. In the Chinese population, it commonly appears on the extremities of the skin, such as the sole of the foot, toes, fingertips, and under the nails. According to global cancer statistics from last year, melanoma accounts for 1.6% of all new cancer cases. In China, the incidence and mortality rates of cutaneous melanoma are relatively low, with about one case per 300,000 people. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the incidence of melanoma, which needs to be monitored carefully.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Cui Fang Bo
Oncology
52sec home-news-image

The significance of melanoma genetic testing

The significance of genetic testing for melanoma patients mainly involves two aspects: first, the identification of specific driver gene mutations to guide the application of targeted drugs; second, the detection of mutations in some common genes to judge the prognosis of the disease. Regarding the target gene mutations for drug selection, the commonly used ones include mutations in C-KIT, BRAF, and M-TOR. If mutations in these target genes are found, corresponding targeted drugs can be used for treatment. These drugs are generally orally administered, have relatively good efficacy, low side effects, and are suitable for the treatment of melanoma. Additionally, some genetic tests can predict the prognosis of melanoma patients based on the presence or absence of mutations.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
41sec home-news-image

What are some good methods for treating widespread metastasis of melanoma?

Melanoma greatly torments patients, affecting their physical and mental health, and also unnecessarily harming their external appearance. However, treatment of this disease must be approached with caution. Surgical excision is recommended and is the first choice for the surgical treatment of melanoma. If diagnosed, surgery should be carried out promptly. The extent of excision depends on the type and location of the tumor. After excision, the resulting tissue defect is generally repaired using simple methods initially, followed by reconstructive surgery after confirming no recurrence.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
46sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of subungual melanoma?

Subungual melanoma, clinically, displays different symptoms depending on the stage. In its early stages, subungual melanoma primarily manifests as changes in nail color, with some cases showing localized thickening of the nail. As the melanoma progresses, abnormal secretions such as bloody or serous fluids may appear under the nail, and the nail itself may become uneven. As the subungual melanoma invades surrounding tissues, symptoms such as swelling, pain, or bleeding in the localized fingernail may occur. In advanced stages, symptoms of metastatic sites, such as coughing, chest pain, and chest tightness from lung metastases, can also manifest.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
39sec home-news-image

Melanoma check what items

If patients suspect that they have melanoma, they must go to a qualified hospital for examination. The diagnosis of melanoma mainly relies on visual inspection of colored moles that vary in color and shape, which can be directly observed with the eye. Also, if previously existing moles have enlarged or changed shape recently, these are signs that we need to pay attention to. If patients are suspected of having melanoma after a diagnosis, it is recommended to perform a complete excisional biopsy of the lesion, followed by a pathological examination after the surgery.