subungal melanoma? should i go to the doctor?

[grapess]

I have had this line on my nail since late sept./early oct. 2019. I’m really scared it might be a nail cancer, but compared to other pictures I saw online.. it’s not as pigmented and has not noticeably grown larger. I have hit my nail on things a bit, as i’m sort of clumsy. Also the nail takes longer to grow compared to all my other nails. Apparently it is not very common among younger people, I am not even in my 20s yet. Also I am asian and do not have much melanin, as another condition melonchyia (I think thats how its spelled, if not i apologize) is more prevalent in those with darker complexions. Please give me some advice, as I don’t really have the money to go to the doctor right now, so it would help if other think it is worth it to just go and get it checked. I am very worried, I would really appreciate it if someone responded

[hypercat54]

These type of lines are very common and nothing to worry about. They are often caused by knocking the nail or sometimes damage to the nail bed. They are not a sign of cancer or anything serious.

nhs.uk/conditions/nail-prob...

[Seroma12]

Hi i have one just like this on my thumb, in almost the exact same place. I always just thought I had them because of a deficiency of some kind (like zinc). My thumb nails always grow slower than others as well. I asked my doc about them once, she said they were very common and nothing to worry about. I have them on other nails though. If you just have it on this one you probably hurt your nail bed somehow.

[ShawnWesley]

I have the same thing on my big toenail. Yes you should go to the drs. Then on to a dermatologist, which I did. It came back to be normal, if it darkens or gets wider, then I would need to go back. Please get the opinion of the professionals, trust me it will give you a piece of mind.

[Bluesockpupets56]

I have had an enormous amount of these on my nails over the years. Once your nail grows out you can just cut it off. It’s usually caused by damage to the nails.