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Nail Unit Melanoma: What You Should Know

How the structures involved in Melanoma differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Melanoma differ from normal

Short answer

Nail unit melanoma is a melanoma arising in or around the nail, and a new or changing pigmented mark should be examined promptly.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Possible sign
A new or changing brown or black nail mark
Diagnosis
Clinical examination and, when needed, tissue biopsy
Treatment planning
Depends on depth, location and spread

What can appear in the nail unit

The nail unit includes the nail plate, nail bed, matrix and surrounding folds. Melanoma may appear as a brown or black band, an irregular area of pigment, darkening that changes over time, or pigment extending onto nearby skin. A mark can be mistaken for bruising, a mole or harmless pigment, and not every dark nail change is melanoma. Examination may include magnified inspection and a biopsy of the relevant nail-unit tissue. The result helps establish the diagnosis and any further staging needed.

What assessment and treatment may involve

Photograph a changing nail for comparison, avoid covering it with varnish before assessment, and note when the change began. Do not scrape or repeatedly injure the area. If melanoma is confirmed, treatment is planned around its depth, location and spread. It may involve [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) or other [Skin Cancer Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-cancer-surgery/), with staging tests such as [Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy/) in selected cases. Advanced disease may be treated with [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/).

When to seek care

Arrange prompt dermatology assessment for a new dark streak, widening or uneven pigment, pigment reaching the cuticle or side fold, nail lifting, splitting, bleeding or a persistent mark without a clear injury. Do not wait for pain: melanoma can be subtle early. Urgent review is warranted for a rapidly changing lesion or an open, bleeding area.

Questions for your doctor

Which part of the nail unit is changing? Do I need a biopsy, and how will it be performed? If melanoma is found, what staging tests are appropriate? Would surgery involve the nail matrix or surrounding tissue? How often will follow-up examinations be needed?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Is every dark nail streak melanoma?

No. Bruising, benign pigment and other conditions can look similar, but a new or changing streak needs examination.

Can nail unit melanoma be painless?

Yes. Lack of pain does not rule it out, so visual change should guide timely assessment.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.