Can melanonychia turn into melanoma?

Some melanonychia screams “melanoma” from the doorway There are times melanonychia is so egregious that it can only be melanoma. A wide, deeply pigmented band with irregular lines and pigmented extension onto the periungual tissues is nearly pathognomonic for melanoma.

Is nail discoloration a sign of cancer?

If a fingernail or toenail has a new or changing dark streak, it’s time to see a dermatologist for a skin cancer check. That dark streak could be melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Not every dark streak is a melanoma, but it’s always good to have a dermatologist examine one.

Should I worry about melanonychia?

Melanonychia is a very worrisome entity for most patients. It is characterized by brownish black discoloration of nail plate and is a common cause of nail plate pigmentation. The aetiology of melanonychia ranges from more common benign causes to less common invasive and in situ melanomas.

Does melanonychia go away?

The outlook for most benign melanonychia is good, and in most cases, does not require treatment. However, it usually does not go away by itself.

Does Melanonychia go away?

What is Melanonychia in the nail?

Melanonychia refers to the Greek word “Melas” meaning black (or brown colour) and “Onyx” meaning nail. It is characterized by brown-black discoloration of the nail plate and the pigment referred to is conventionally melanin. It may involve single or multiple nails, both in finger and toenails.

Can melanonychia go away?

Outlook. The outlook for most benign melanonychia is good, and in most cases, does not require treatment. However, it usually does not go away by itself.

How is melanonychia causes?

Melanonychia can be caused by inflammatory skin diseases that affect your nails. It can also be caused by inflammation due to friction from shoes and biting your nails. Poor nutrition. Malnutrition can cause melanonychia, especially a lack of protein, vitamin D, or vitamin B12.

Should I be worried about melanonychia?

Is melanonychia harmful?

Complications. Possible complications of melanonychia include nail cancer, bleeding under the nail, splitting of your nail, and deformity of your nail. The nail biopsy can also cause nail deformity because it removes a portion of the nail.

Is melanonychia harmless?

Is melanonychia a serious condition?

Finding the root cause of melanonychia is quite a complex process. Most cases are benign, but it can occasionally herald serious medical conditions. Here we describe the different types of melanonychia, how a diagnosis is made, and treatment options available to you. What is melanonychia? What is melanonychia? What causes dark lines on the nails?

What is melanonychia (nail pigmentation)?

Melanonychia (Nail Pigmentation): Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment 1 Melanonychia is defined by a dark line on the fingernails or toenails. 2 It can be the sign of a more serious illness, which is why getting a proper diagnosis is essential. 3 A microscopic examination or biopsy is sometimes necessary to determine the cause and treatment options.

What is transverse melanonychia?

Transverse melanonychia: This type appears as a band of color that runs along the width of the nail plate. Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin. If they increase in number or produce more melanin than usual, this can lead to melanonychia. There are two ways in which this can happen:

What causes longitudinal melanonychia and how is it treated?

Causes include nail infections, trauma, infection, and cancer. As per its name, longitudinal melanonychia is recognized by the appearance of a pigmented stripe, either partial or complete, running length-wise along the nail bed. The color of your nails, hair, and skin are produced by cells known as melanocytes that secrete a pigment called melanin.