Subungual melanoma and toenail biopsy

Update. Just in case it helps someone else.

Just back from the hospital. Toe was examined and numbed to see what exactly was going on. Nail pulled off, and was a surprise as it was very short and over the top of another nail at the bottom! The black marks were between the 2. Nail bed etc looked ok, so stitched up. No biopsy taken as looked clear, apart from the funny little nail. Now to see how it all grows back. Be seen again in 3 months, just to check all is well. Take care all.

That's great news Gemmary and you must be very relieved. 

Wow that's great news for you, what a relief.  What a lovely fast acting gp you have to have acted so quickly. 

I'm so glad for you it was two nails having fun together on the one nail bed and not anything more sinister plus they and you will keep an eye on it too.  

Celebration time for you  

X

Hello. I have my biopsy next week on my big toenail and I am freaking out. I spoke to the dermatology secretary today as I had questions but my main one is - how long is the recovery? I suspect my whole nail will be taken off and I don’t know if it’ll be replaced. I am terrified of being in pain for a month or so, and not being about to walk. I have a trip in September too that is 5 weeks after the biopsy and I am so worried I won’t be able to go. Can anyone help ease my pain and explain their experience with a toenail biopsy? Thank you. 

Hi Anxious and Scared 

I'm sorry to read that you need to have your toenail removed and it's natural to want to know about other people's experiences.

As no one on this thread has had a toenail removed and a biopsy taken it would be best to start your own post so that all the members of the group will see it. You are more likely to get replies then from people who have had this procedure.

x

Thanks, latchbrooke! I’ll do that. 

Hi, Anxious and Scared , mine was on the big toe nail, And the procedure I had was exactly as a biopsy but without the actual biopsy bit (there was nothing to biopsy, when they removed the nail!). 

So toe was numbed , and the toe nail removed and 2 cuts made from the base of the nail. Everything was checked underneath. In my case I had a baby nail underneath the main nail. No explanation as to why!! Then normally the nail is replaced, and the skin stitched up. My wonky nail wasnt, no point. Dressing applied. Take a big shoe/sandal/slippers in case the dressing is bulky.

Afterwards was ok, you are not allowed to drive home or take public transport, as usual. I expected it to really hurt the next day, but it didn't, nothing that paracetamol couldn't fix, and keep it elevated as much as possible. I am 2 weeks tomorrow afterwards and can walk and drive, though it can twinge (when I might take another paracetamol) so you should be fine after 6 weeks. Mine hasn't yet fully healed, and the stitches are still there, they are disolvable. Had showers with my foot in a plastic bag as it has to stay dry for a week, then not soaked (so no bath or swimming). I still elevate it when it twinges if I can, rather than painkillers. 

So it has hurt very much less than I was expecting, as many years ago I accidentally pulled off my other big toe nail, and boy do I know why they use it as torture!!! If that was a 10, then the after affects of the biopsy was only about a 3. Not sure if an actual biopsy was made whether it would have hurt more, I can't say. But I had everything done but the actual biopsy under the nail. I even watched the operation! 

If I can answer any other questions please ask, as I couldn't find any info when I looked. I can give you another update re the healing in a week or 2 if you wish.

Yes, its scary, but everyone was very pleasant and helpful. I see the plastic surgeon again in 3 months to check. 

Wishing you all the very best. (Hugs)

Hi Gemmary ! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and for your detailed reply. I’m so glad that your biopsy ended up being a non-biopsy. Funny how there was a a baby nail underneath!! I can only hope it goes that way. 

I am hoping it all goes smoothly but I worry if an incision is made and a biopsy is taken, it may take a bit longer to heal. If you could keep me updated, I would truly appreciate that! I really don’t want to cancel my holiday as it’s been 5 years in the making and all booked for a year. It is long distance and will be a lot of sightseeing though. 

You’re very brave to have watched it too! I will be keeping my eyes firmly closed and averted!! 

 Midnight22 this thread. Will update on Thursday when I get my 3 month checkup.

Thanks that’s really helpful. X