Black spot - Nail Problems Message Board

jlove70 · 12-07-2004, 07:53 AM

I've tried searching here and other places for an answer, but I can't find a similar case of my black spot. A couple months ago I noticed that the corner of my toenail at the tip got a small black spot on it. At first I figured I picked up some kind of fungus since I play hockey and my feet would sweat a lot. I trimmed off that portion of the nail(it was all on the white part), but when the nail grew out the spot came back. I don't remember doing anything as far as stubbing it, but I may have taken a puck off my skate that I don't remember. If it was from that though I would think that it wouldn't come back when I trimmed it. I'm worried about this cause I did see where this could be a sign of melanoma, and I plan on seeing a doctor, but I wanted to hear what all this could be as soon as possible. Thank you for any help.

Marti · 12-07-2004, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlove70

I've tried searching here and other places for an answer, but I can't find a similar case of my black spot. A couple months ago I noticed that the corner of my toenail at the tip got a small black spot on it. At first I figured I picked up some kind of fungus since I play hockey and my feet would sweat a lot. I trimmed off that portion of the nail(it was all on the white part), but when the nail grew out the spot came back. I don't remember doing anything as far as stubbing it, but I may have taken a puck off my skate that I don't remember. If it was from that though I would think that it wouldn't come back when I trimmed it. I'm worried about this cause I did see where this could be a sign of melanoma, and I plan on seeing a doctor, but I wanted to hear what all this could be as soon as possible. Thank you for any help.

It could possibly be melanoma, but it usually begins at the base of the nail in the matrix. You are right in seeing your doctor because it doesn't sound like a hematoma (bruise). If the black spot started out as a green spot, then turned brown, then turned black, it could be a Pseudomonas bacterial infection. Only your doctor can tell you at this point.

siren1024 · 12-07-2004, 11:59 AM

Definitely see the doctor just in case. Early detection is key in curing melanoma. It doesn't sound like a bruise to me, that would make me think some type of infection or melanoma. Good luck!

jlove70 · 12-08-2004, 06:48 AM

So, in cases where it is melanoma, does that mean the cancer is in the nail, or the toe or the foot? How do you know where it's at?

Marti · 12-08-2004, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlove70

So, in cases where it is melanoma, does that mean the cancer is in the nail, or the toe or the foot? How do you know where it's at?

It is usually directly under the area that is compromised. If the black spot is at the free edge, then that's where the melanoma is located. If it is in the matrix, a black spot would show up in the lunula.