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Does a dark vertical streak on the nail indicate cancer?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My daughter has a vertical dark streak along her nail on the middle finger only. It has been there for three months now. There is no known trauma. Could I ask what you suggest we should do? It seems to be darker than before. We went to a dermatologist, and they told us not to worry because it appears to be only the nail that is affected and not the skin. However, we are very worried it could be cancer.

Hi,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

At present, she is suffering from longitudinal melanonychia. It is due to the overactivity of the melanocytes, leading to more melanin synthesis. At present, there is no sign of malignancy. Nevertheless, a biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At September 14, 2017
Reviewed AtOctober 29, 2024

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