Woman with 'cool' streak on nail discovers serious health problem
A woman in the US who noticed a "cool" streak growing on her thumb nail bed for years has been shocked to discover it is, in fact, a serious health issue.
Maria Sylvia explains on TikTok @invrfoundwaldo she first noticed the dark brown line approximately 10 years ago and it started off as a subtle brown line before developing into a more noticeable line over a 12-month period.
"I was in and out of doctors all time," Maria explains. "I was an athlete so I was getting physicals every year. No-one really noticed it until one time a doctor did notice it."
That doctor remarked, "Oh, that's odd."
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Maria says she first noticed the brown line on her thumb nail bed approximately 10 years ago. TikTok
She says the doctor told her it was "odd" she "doesn't really fit the demographic" for skin cancer but if it grows any bigger to see a specialist.
"I didn't really have any issue, I didn't have any pain with it, so I just figured it was a mole because that's what they told me," she continues.
She was told it was a "mole" and to see a specialist if it grew any futher. TikTok
She decided to get a biopsy done after a friend encouraged her to do it, and was told it was in fact a subungual melanoma, a rare and serious type of skin cancer that occurs in the skin under the nails.
Maria's original video has since been viewed 16 million times, with the woman suggesting if anyone is concerned about marks on their nail beds, they see a dermatologist immediately.
Maria was told she had skin cancer after a biopsy of the mark was taken. TikTok
Maria then underwent surgery to remove the cancer and once it was confirmed the procedure was successful, she underwent a skin graft using skin from her arm to rebuild what was taken from her thumb.
Maria underwent a skin graft to rebuild what was taken of her thumb. TikTok
In follow up videos, Maria has explained the procedures she underwent in detail. In one of her more recent posts she explains she is recovering from her skin graft well.
In one video her arm and hand are all bandaged up.
Maria has explained the procedures she underwent in follow up videos. TikTok
"My brother has it," says one of Maria's TikTok followers. "He told me after I showed him this video. Said he had it for a year. Thanks for the info!! Now he's gonna get it checked out."
"Instantly knew what it was," adds another.
'I have it on one of my toe nails! I've had it since I could remember," says another of Maria's TikTok followers.
One woman who has a similar mark on her nail bed says hers turned out to be "pigmentation".
Another writes: "I had this exact cancer! I have my thumb amputated a year ago and cancer free! 6 surgeries, and 5 years later! Hope you're doing well!"
"Literally everybody analysing their own nails now," adds another.
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