Attention This skin cancer can mimic a nail fungus

An affected person's report could save the lives of many people who believe they have nail fungus

If the fingernails or toenails get discolored, few people think of skin cancer. Instead, most sufferers with over-the-counter medicines try to combat the supposed athlete's foot. But sometimes hidden behind skin cancer.

The same happened to a British woman who posted a photo of her thumb nail on Facebook. She wrote: "I thought it was just a wart or nail fungus." However, the doctors told her that it was a malignant melanoma. Now parts of her thumb have to be amputated.

In case of suspected nail fungus caution is necessary, because behind the symptoms also skin cancer can hide. (Image: toscana / fotolia.ccom)

Alleged nail fungus turned out to be dangerous skin cancer

"I am lucky. The cancer did not spread. I lose half of my thumb, but the cancer will disappear, "Melanie Williams recently wrote on Facebook. With her post, she wants to encourage people to take discoloration on their nails seriously and have them examined by a doctor. "I do not want your sympathy. I want to attract attention, "says the young Brit. "Go and let every change in your skin control. Do not look for excuses, do not leave it to chance. "

Your call to the social network has been shared over 100,000 times. "Please do not comment on how brave I am, but share my mail so everyone will be alerted," Williams said. Last week she announced that further investigations would be made and that she could lose more of her thumb.

Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer. Experts advise to check the skin regularly for changes. The "ABCDE of the melanomas," could be used, "A = asymmetry (asymmetry): A liver spot whose shape and color are uneven. B = Border: Melanomas have an irregular, scallop-shaped or poorly defined boundary. C = color (color): deviations from one place to another; Shades of light brown and brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue. D = Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters (the size of an eraser) when diagnosed, but they can also be smaller. E = development (evolving): a mole or a skin lesion that looks different from the rest or changes in size, shape or color. ".

Suspicious skin should always be checked by a dermatologist. In addition, statutory health insurance in Germany is entitled to skin cancer screening every two years from the age of 35. (Sb)