Nail changes as cancer warning: Recognizing hidden signs
Cancer cells, as they develop in our bodies, can be pretty deceptive, often not revealing their presence immediately. Sometimes, they also send ambiguous signals. One potential symptom of cancer can be changes visible on the nails. What should concern us?
Changes in the nails can result from natural ageing, fungal infections, or minor injuries. Such situations should generally not cause concern. However, in some cases, a change in the appearance of nails may indicate serious health problems.
Brown or black spots under the nail are usually the result of a haematoma but can also suggest the presence of a tumour. Specific symptoms are involved here.
What changes may signal nail melanoma?
Our attention should be drawn to dark streaks or bands under the nails, which may be a symptom of subungual melanoma. We can also often observe the thickening of the nail plate. This dangerous condition sometimes also manifests as a dark mole.
It's worth knowing that this type of cancer often does not give any warning signs. It begins developing covertly and is usually detected when it has already spread to other organs, reducing the patient's chances of recovery.
However, it's important to note that nail melanoma is relatively rare—it accounts for about 2% of all melanoma cases. At the same time, it is very aggressive and quickly turns malignant.
These are also symptoms of other skin cancers
Other skin cancers that may develop under the nail include squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Diagnosing subungual melanoma is not easy for either patients or doctors. It requires appropriate tests and careful observation of skin changes.
In the course of this disease, one can first notice a dark streak running perpendicular to the skin from under the nail. This is characteristic of this type of cancer.
Statistical studies show that in 50% of patients, this change is dark blue or brown. In other cases, the streak remains unpigmented, and the colour appears only in the advanced stages of the disease. It's also worth noting black dots under the nail's surface, which may also indicate cancer.
Over time, symptoms may include brown spots under the nail, changes in its shape, deformities, and cracking, as well as dark nodules, bleeding, red or yellowish spots, ulcers, and poorly healed wounds on these areas of the body. Unfortunately, these symptoms may indicate a more advanced stage of cancer.
Symptoms accompanying skin cancer also include chronic fatigue and rapid weight loss that is not related to dietary changes, medication, or intense physical activity. Significant deterioration in well-being is often observed, even after a night's rest.
