Cancer – a diagnosis that even the bravest person is afraid to hear. Unfortunately, onco tumors can affect both internal organs, skin, and the nail plate. Nail cancer accounts for 3% of all malignant tumors worldwide.
Black people are more susceptible to this type of disease, about 35% of all types of cancer.
The danger of this type of tumor is that sometimes it is asymptomatic and spreads very quickly, giving metastases.
It is necessary to know the enemy by sight. Therefore, you need to carefully study all the signs and symptoms of cancer in order to consult a doctor in a timely manner.
Online edition estet-portal.com teaches to recognize the disease in the first stages.
1. The main reasons for the development of a terrible disease
2. What are the symptoms of nail cancer
3. Diagnosis and treatment of nail cancer
The main causes of the development of a terrible disease
Nail cancer is caused by subungual melanoma. The causes of the development of the disease are not fully understood. Regardless of gender, nationality, status, a disease can affect a person.
Oncologists have been able to establish that melanoma formation is influenced by intense ultraviolet radiation. So don't spend too much time in the sun.
The second, no less significant reason, was recognized as trauma to the finger by accident or during incorrectly performed operations. This damage is usually severe, with damage to the entire thickness of the nail plate.
Third place goes to freezing limbs.
In addition, there are risk groups of people who are more likely to develop nail cancer.
These include:
• people over 60;
• fair-skinned, red-haired people with freckles;
• people with a family history of melanoma or other tumors;
• tanning enthusiasts who get tanning due to ultraviolet rays;
• people whose work is connected with aggressive chemicals;
• HIV-infected;
• people with weak immunity and previous cancer survivors.
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Sunlight in a normal amount will not harm the body. But you should not abuse it, because prolonged exposure to direct sunlight activates the production of melanocytes, due to which the skin tans. This does not always have good consequences.
What are the symptoms of nail cancer
In the early stages, asymptomatic course of the disease is possible.
When melanoma begins to develop, the following symptoms immediately become noticeable:
• dark black or brown vertical line along the nail. Over time, it separates the nail completely and becomes denser;
• darkening of the nail bed that rapidly fills the entire nail;
• the appearance of ulcers that undermine the nail plate;
• purulent discharge from under the nail;
• fragility and cracking of the nail, separation from the bed.
Cancer does not always cause darkening of the nail plate. In 1/3 of patients, nail cancer resolves without discoloration.
In this case, various changes in the nail plate are observed: cracks, seals. In such cases, cancer can easily be confused with nail fungus.
Pain in subungual melanoma begins only in the later stages. Also, the decay products of onco cells cause general poisoning of the body.
The person begins to feel weak, fever, inperspiration.
Diagnosis and treatment of nail cancer
At the first suspicion, you should immediately go to a dermatologist. Even if it's not cancer, changes in the nails can indicate important health problems.
The doctor examines the affected area with a dermatoscope that shows the affected area at 40x magnification. This makes it possible to see even the smallest changes.
If necessary, the doctor performs a biopsy and sends the material taken for laboratory testing. A biopsy accurately determines whether it is a malignant tumor or another disease. Based on the results, the dermatologist prescribes the treatment.
When diagnosed with subungual melanoma, ultrasound and tomography of the whole body must be performed to rule out the presence of metastases.
Treatment depends on the extent of the disease. Surgical method – main in the treatment of nail cancer. The nail plate with adjacent parts of the muscle tissue is removed. In advanced cases, the phalanx of the finger is removed.
Lymph nodes are being examined. If their damage is detected, they are also removed to avoid the spread of cancer cells throughout the body. Apply a course of chemotherapy, in case of spread of metastases and as an additional treatment.
Only at a very early stage nail cancer Mohs surgery is allowed – layer-by-layer excision of nail tissue under a microscope until malignant melanocytes.
Nail cancer – a terrible diagnosis that requires immediate treatment. Due to its pronounced symptoms, the disease is not difficult to see.
However, it can be confused with nail fungus in some cases. Therefore, self-diagnosis is not allowed here. Take care of yourself. Avoid frostbite, injury to fingers, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
If you have any modifications to the nail plate, hurry up to a dermatologist. Early detection of cancer ensures its destruction and helps to avoid limb amputation.
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