Dermatologist Warns: Don't Ignore This Nail Sign for Subungual Melanoma

Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, a board-certified dermatologist based in Mississippi, urges people to pay attention to their nails for a vertical line that could indicate a subungual melanoma, a rare but serious form of skin cancer. Subungual melanomas, though uncommon, can be easily missed if not detected early. The survival rates of patients with this condition vary depending on the stage of cancer at diagnosis and its spread. Risk factors include age, darker skin, and family history of melanoma. While subungual melanomas are often seen on the big toe and thumb, they can manifest on any finger or toe. It's essential to differentiate between subungual melanomas and benign conditions like longitudinal melanonychia. Additionally, distinguishing between subungual melanoma and subungual hematoma, which is caused by trauma, is crucial. Hutchinson's sign, a pigmentation spreading from the nail to the skin, should prompt immediate medical attention.