The American Academy of Dermatology Association explains how to detect melanoma under and around the nails by examining them.
- In France, the number of cases of skin cancer increases by more than 4% in men and by more than 2.7% in women each year.
- Melanoma under or around the fingernails is more common in older people and people with dark skin.
- The presence of the five signs on your nails, listed by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, does not necessarily mean that it is this disease, but justifies a consultation.
For 30 years, the number of melanomas, a skin cancer developed from cells called melanocytes, has multiplied by 5, according to health insurance. This increase is over 4% per year for men and over 2.7% for women. Every adult can spot skin abnormalities during a self-examination. Any spot on the skin or any mole that does not look like the others should lead him to consult a health professional.
Nail melanoma: “more common in older people and people with dark skin”
In a statement, the American Academy of Dermatology Association points out that you should also check your fingernails regularly. “Although it is rare, skin cancer, including melanoma, can develop under and around the fingernails and toenails. (…) It is more common in older people and people with dark skin. A personal or family history of melanoma or nail trauma may also be risk factors. specified the organization.
Sick nail: what are the signs that should alert?
If fingernail melanoma is caught early, it can be easily treated. So, American dermatologists recommend looking for different changes when examining the nails. Patients should be concerned if they see a brown or black band, which appears lengthwise, on the thumbnail or big toenail. “However, this dark line can appear on any nail.”
Another warning sign: the skin around the nail becomes darker. A peeling nail can also indicate melanoma. “When this happens, the nail begins to separate from the nail bed. The white rim at the top of the nail lengthens as the nail lifts”, can we read in the press release of the American Academy of Dermatology Association. She also adds that a bump under the nail or splitting, which occurs when a nail splits in the middle, should prompt a patient to seek medical attention.
“Nail melanoma diagnosed at a more advanced stage”
“Nail melanoma is often diagnosed at a later stage than skin melanoma, which makes it more dangerous to your health,” notify the organization. If we notice the presence of one or more of these signs, this does not necessarily mean that it is a melanoma, but justifies seeking medical advice without delay, according to Health Insurance.
