Nail tumors are considered one of the rare diseases that cause swelling of the nail and a clear change in its tissue. This is due to many reasons, most notably genetic factors. It is necessary to pay attention to its symptoms and go for a clinical examination by specialists. It is preferable to go to Al Mousa Specialized Center where the necessary medical care is received and the correct treatment is prescribed in order to recover quickly and avoid complications that can occur if the condition is neglected. For more details about nail cancer, follow the article with us until the end.
What is nail cancer?
Nail cancer is a dangerous and rare type of skin cancer because it is aggressive compared to other types of cancer.
This type is not closely related to exposure to the sun, unlike known types of skin cancer. There are many types and it causes many problems for humans.
It affects the tissues found under the nails and is known as melanoma. Since it is a dangerous type of cancer that causes many complications in humans, treatment must be received as soon as the disease is discovered.
Its symptoms begin in the form of a black vertical line extending from the top of the base of the nail to the lower part of it. These symptoms most commonly begin in the big toe, specifically in the index finger or thumb.
Nail cancer is located in the pink tissue of the nail, specifically in the dermal matrix, which is the part that contains lymphatic tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.
Nail cancer usually begins in the melanocytes responsible for secreting melanin, and when their function is disrupted, they begin to secrete this substance excessively, leading to the color of the part under the nails changing to black.
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Causes of nail cancer
There are many causes that lead to nail cancer, the most important of which are the following:
1.Exposure to X-rays
Exposure to X-rays and arsenic contributes to a disorder in cells, which contributes to their damage and exposure to many diseases, especially cancer.
- Exposure to sunlight
Excessive exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet rays, leads to damage to skin cells, especially their DNA, which contributes to the formation of cancer cells.
3. History of cancer
When a person is exposed to cancer once, there is a greater possibility of it returning again in one part of the body, especially nail cancer.
- Chronic injuries
Some infections, chronic injuries, or chronic stress cause the formation of some tumors, especially nail cancer.
- Direct injuries
Help Direct injuries such as collisions or burns increase the risk of nail cancer.
- عوامل وراثية
Genetic factors are among the most important things that play a vital role in increasing the risk of nail cancer.
- Infection with the papilloma virus
Infection with the papilloma virus may lead to skin diseases, most notably nail cancer.
What are the symptoms of nail cancer?
There are some symptoms that indicate nail cancer, which are as follows:
- A clear change in the color of the nail as it becomes darker than usual or dark.
- The presence of a dark vertical line in black or dark brown at the bottom of the nail, specifically in the middle, after which it becomes irregular.
- A visible change in the color of the skin surrounding the nail or swelling.
- Notice a change in the composition of the nail such that it becomes thicker or thinner.
- Suffering from bleeding in the nails, especially if the disease is in the advanced stages.
- Ulcers around the nail or edge.
- Noticing some abnormal changes in the skin surrounding the nail or itself.
- Note the irregularity of the pigment under the nail so that it is uneven.
- The nail rises significantly above its pink texture.
- There is a deformity, split in the nail, or cracking in some way.
If you develop symptoms, take action Book your consultation at Oncology center Al-Mousa Specialized Hospital in Al-Ahsa.
Nail cancer treatment
There are many methods that can be used to treat nail cancer, which are as follows:
1.Radiotherapy
It is resorted to if surgical treatment of the patient is not permissible, in addition to cases in which the disease returns after the removal of the affected part.
- اFor chemotherapy
is used Chemotherapy When other methods are not possible, it is used to stop the spread of the disease.
- Surgery
It is used in early cases through a biopsy, as well as in advanced cases where the tumor is removed, as well as the skin tissue surrounding it.
- Targeted treatment
This method depends on giving the patient specific medications that target the cancer cells themselves, while preserving the healthy tissue surrounding them.
- Immunotherapy
This treatment depends on the patient taking some medications that enhance the strength of the immune system in order to identify the tumor and try to overcome it.
- Other treatments
In advanced cases of the disease, it is possible to amputate the fingers or give the patient some stimulants in order to fight the tumor cells.
Does cancer spread during chemotherapy?
Diagnosis of nail cancer
There are many methods through which nail cancer can be diagnosed, the most important of which are the following:
First: clinical examination
First, you go to the treating physician, who conducts a clinical examination of the patient by looking for any changes in the nail, such as brown lines, dark colors, enlargement, or even bleeding, and other symptoms.
Second: Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging is used in order to identify the rate of spread of the disease as well as its size, in advanced cases.
Third: examination
The treating physician makes a simple comparison between the healthy and affected fingers and examines both, in order to ensure that there are no signs of cancer appearing under the skin of the nails.
Fourth: Tissue examination
The doctor carefully examines all the tissues surrounding the nail in order to ensure the absence or presence of the disease.
Fifth: Biopsy
After the patient undergoes a clinical examination, the doctor requests a biopsy if he suspects the presence of nail cancer.
In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that the true cause of nail cancer is not yet known, but some believe that the cause is exposure to harmful sunlight for long periods, but it is one of the rare types of cancer that requires immediate treatment by specialists in the field in order to avoid any complications. Therefore, it is preferable to resort to Al-Mousa Specialized Center in order to receive the necessary support and medical care required for a speedy recovery.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs of nail cancer?
A change in the color of the skin, as well as a change in its shape with the appearance of a dark vertical line under the nail, pain in the fingers with bleeding or ulcers, with a clear change in the mole, in addition to a change in the color of the skin surrounding the nail to black.
How are the nails of a cancer patient?
It tends to be dark black in color with a change in the structure of the nail as well as obvious changes in growth, with onychopathies.
Is nail cancer painful?
Nail cancer is a type of tumor that does not cause pain to the patient, especially in the early stages, but as the condition develops and the tumor becomes compressed, it becomes very painful.
Is a black line in the nail cancer?
It is considered one of the signs of nail cancer, but in some cases it may indicate other diseases, so it is necessary to go to the doctor in order to request the correct examination and diagnosis.
Medical references
