longitudinal melanonychia

[KFahselt]

I have a light brown stripe running down my ring finger nail. It is about 1mm wide. It appeared about three months ago. My doctor thinks it is nothing to worry about but has refered me to a dermatologist. Just from reading on the internet it sounds pretty scary, especially because I am a white female age 34. Has anyone had this, will they have to cut out my nail? Is it ever just nothing to worry about or is it pretty much likely to be cancerous?


This discussion is related to Longitudinal Melanonychia.

[KFahselt]

My family doctor had never seen this before and referred me to a determatologist. The nurse immediately told me they have seen it lots and that it is nothing to worry about unless it gets larger and darker. The doctor came in and barely glanced at it before telling me the same thing. He said I could have it biopsied but he doesn't  recommend it because it is always benign and you would ruin your fingernail. I am to go back in six months or if it changes in appearance.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Longitudinal lines across the nail can be due to vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and if they are dark striations then melanoma should be thought of. You should get it checked from a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.