What should you know about subungual melanoma treatment?

The first step is confirming melanoma in tissue and assessing how deeply it extends. The surgical plan depends on the nail matrix, nail bed, fingertip or toe involved and the margin needed around the tumour. A team may also discuss a sentinel lymph node biopsy when it could add staging information. If melanoma has spread or carries features that raise concern for recurrence, systemic treatment such as immunotherapy may be considered. [Skin Cancer Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-cancer-surgery/) gives broader context.

Bring your biopsy report, medication list and questions about the planned operation. Ask whether the nail plate, nail bed or part of the digit will be removed, how the wound will be dressed and what function to expect during healing. Follow wound-care instructions closely, keep scheduled reviews and tell the team about increasing redness, drainage or fever. Treatment may involve [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/), [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/) or additional specialist therapy.

After a procedure, seek medical advice for bleeding that does not settle with the instructed pressure, spreading redness, pus, fever, severe swelling or pain that is getting worse. Before treatment, prompt assessment is appropriate for a dark streak that changes, widens or reaches the surrounding skin. New lumps or symptoms elsewhere should be reported during follow-up.

What did the biopsy show? What operation do you recommend and why? Is lymph-node assessment appropriate? Could I need immunotherapy? How will you protect movement, sensation and wound healing?