Doctors warn of little-known cancer symptom you can see on your toenails

Doctors are warning about a little-known symptom you can easily spot on your toenails, and that you should get checked out right away.

When it comes to melanoma and other forms of skin cancer, there are a number of obvious signs to look out for.

Whether it be irregular moles or growths on the skin, there are many common symptoms which are often associated with that form of cancer, but that doesn't mean there are not other symptoms to look out for. After all, skin cancer is one of the more common forms of the disease in the US, and according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, one in five Americans will develop it in their lifetime.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, so it's important to keep in mind the symptoms to look out for.

You should be checking your toenails (Getty Stock Photo)

Where can melanomas form?

Melanoma typically appears on part of the skin that has been exposed to sun for large periods of time, but it can quickly spread to other parts of the body.

However, it's not only your skin that's at risk, as the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) notes that, 'although rare', skin cancer can develop under and around the fingernails and toenails.

Known as subungual melanoma, or nail melanoma, this type of melanoma isn't linked to sun exposure. It's most likely to develop in the big toe, thumb or index finger, and is described as 'serious' by the Cleveland Clinic.

Anyone can get subungual melanoma, though people between 50 and 70 years old have a higher risk of developing the type of cancer. It’s also more common in people of African-American, Asian or Hispanic descent.

Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer (Getty Stock Photo)

What are the signs of nail melanoma?

There are a number of indicators of nail melanoma that you can look out for, with dermatologists cited by the AADA listing five specific signs.

1. A dark, black or brown streak in the nail. This is often visible on the thumb or big toe of your dominant hand or foot, though it can show up on any nail.
2. Dark skin next to or around your nail
3. Nail lifting from your fingers or toes as your nail starts to separate from the nail bed
4. Nail splitting down the center
5. A bump or nodule on nail, as well as possibly a band of color which could be wide and irregular or dark and narrow

Doctors have recommended that you visit a dermatologist if you notice any changes to your nails, including a new dark band on your nail.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.

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