What should you know about subungual melanoma prognosis?

A prognosis is an individual medical assessment, not a prediction based on nail colour alone. Pathology can describe the tumour's thickness, ulceration and other features. Staging then considers nearby lymph nodes and any spread to distant organs. A thinner melanoma found before spread generally gives a different treatment discussion from disease involving lymph nodes or distant sites. Your pathology report and imaging, when needed, provide the information your team uses. [Melanoma](/conditions/melanoma/) and [Brain Metastases](/conditions/brain-metastases/) explain related terms.

Ask for the exact stage, pathology findings and the reason for each proposed test. Surgery may remove the primary tumour, while a sentinel lymph node biopsy can help assess nearby lymphatic drainage in selected cases. If further treatment is advised, it may include immunotherapy or another specialist plan. Keep appointments, report new symptoms and protect the treated area while it heals. [Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/sentinel-lymph-node-biopsy/) and [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/) provide more detail.

Contact your cancer or dermatology team promptly about a new lump, persistent bleeding, worsening wound, unexplained swelling or new pain near the treated nail. During follow-up, report persistent headaches, weakness, changes in vision or unexplained breathing problems without assuming their cause. A clinician can decide whether examination or testing is needed. [Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/post-treatment-surveillance/) describes ongoing monitoring.

What are the tumour thickness and stage? Were lymph nodes assessed? Which findings most affect my outlook? What follow-up schedule do you recommend, and which symptoms should I report between visits?