Relatively minor problem so don't want to bother gp but my finger nails are coming away from nail bed - started with little finger but slowly spreading to each nail. Could this be something to do with either Zometa infusions (6 monthly) or letrozole tablets (daily) or is it likely to be not connected and be caused by something unrelated to cancer?
Hi Dogfriend,
Thank you for getting in touch, my name is Isobel, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist, on the Macmillan Support Line. Welcome to our online community.
Letrozole and Zometa may be a factor but these are not the drugs that usually start these changes. However changes to hormone levels due to these drugs may be responsible for changes to your skin and nail health.
You don’t mention if you have had any other cancer treatments. Chemotherapy may have caused some changes to the appearance of your nails on your fingers and toes. This can be a change in the nail colour or texture, such as ridges forming. Nails can become more brittle and cracked. Occasionally the nail may lift off the nail bed and fall out, as you are experiencing, the nails will grow back.
It is possible that it could be something else and I would recommend getting this checked by your GP, you may need some treatment if there is any infection in the nail bed.
I hope this information is helpful if you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch with us on the Macmillan support line.
Best wishes,
Isobel Y, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/ IY/KM
