Sublingual melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that occurs in the skin under your nails. Sublingual melanomas are rare, appearing in only 0.07% to 3.5% of people with skin cancer in the world. But these melanomas can spread to other parts of the body and cause death. Due to their extreme and life-threatening rarity, it is important to know how to recognize sub-melanomas and get treatment as soon as possible. webmd
the reasons
The exact cause of sublingual melanomas is unknown. However, researchers know that this type of skin cancer differs from other types because it has nothing to do with sun exposure.
symptoms
In 75% to 90% of reported cases, sublingual melanomas are found in the thumb and big toe. But it can be seen in the toes and other fingers. It can be very painful.
Subungual melanomas usually look like brown-black discoloration of the nail bed. The discoloration may be in the form of a long, thin line or streak, or it can be irregularly shaped. The colored part of the nail can become thicker, chipped, or otherwise damaged, to the point where it cannot be repaired..
Inflammation, a normal bodily process that fights infection or injury, can also occur. Chemicals released from the abnormal tissue cause the white blood cells to begin the repair process. Sometimes the inflammation itself can become dangerous, putting your health at risk.
risk factors
The researchers saw that among African American, Asian, and Hispanic populations, when atypical melanoma presents itself, it is often secondary melanoma. However, the occurrence is generally rare.
Sublingual melanomas were seen in 75% of Africans, 25% of Chinese, and 10% of Japanese diagnosed with melanoma. It usually affects women in their sixties and men in their seventies.
Doctors use the following factors to determine if nail discoloration is: skin cancer Under the tongue:
You are between 50 and 70 years old and of African, Asian or Native American descent .
You have a brown-black stripe on your nail that is more than three millimeters in size with irregularly shaped edges.
Color grows, and at what rate does it happen.
It is in the nail bed of the thumb, big toe, or index finger, although it can be seen in the fingers and toes.
“Hutchinson’s sign” appears, that is, it spreads from the nail bed to the surrounding area.
You have a family history of skin cancer.