Woman stunned when she learned that the mark under her fingernails that lasted for a decade was due to cancer-Lifetime Health

Unexpectedly, this seemingly normal mark is a sign of skin cancer.

Maria Sylvia (25 years old) is a TikToker, she often shares her life on social networks. Among the videos she shared, there was a video that attracted 31 million views. This is a video that makes people extremely surprised at the seemingly normal signs on the body but can potentially be at risk of cancer.

Sylvia said, in 2012 she discovered a mark under her fingernails when she was in high school. At the time, she thought the mark or bruise was related to sports injuries.

A dermatologist told her that this mark on the nail could be cancerous, 1% chance.

“Basically, the doctor told me to watch and wait to see if the mark darkens, or grows larger, needs closer examination.” Sylvia said.

At the end of 2021, Sylvia said she went to the hospital to check again after a colleague said that this mark under the nail resembled a sign of cancer. At this point, she insisted on having a biopsy after another dermatologist said everything was fine.

The results showed that the mark under Sylvia’s fingernails was a malignant tumor under the skin. This is a form of skin cancer that develops on the fingers or toes.

Sylvia had to undergo 2 surgeries to completely remove the cancer cell. Finding someone to treat her illness was a big challenge. Her thumb nail could not grow back and needed physical therapy for her finger to function properly.

Sylvia said she is happy that her story can be of help to others.

“Many people have texted to thank me, making them more aware of this skin cancer.”Sylvia said.

Early detection is key to treating skin cancer

According to the Cleveland Clinic, if found early, skin cancers can be treated, including melanoma, a rare but very dangerous form.

However, spotting the signs of skin cancer can be difficult. To know for sure if you have skin cancer, a thorough examination includes a full body scan, including the toenails and soles of the feet. Then you may need a specialist in case something is missed.

Some suspicious signs related to skin cancer such as skin color that is different from the surrounding skin, moles in a special location, changes over time. All abnormal signs you notice that exist for a long time should be suspected and examined specifically.

Experts recommend that people have a general check-up at least once a year to detect risk factors.