Nail mark linked to early skin cancer

A mother from Hull experiences a line under her acrylic nails that was later diagnosed as pre-cancerous, prompting a warning to check nailbeds regularly.

Nail mark under acrylics signals early skin cancer

Lucy Thompson, 35, from Hull in East Yorkshire, noticed a black vertical line on her left thumb after removing orange ombre acrylics in April 2023. She initially assumed it was damage from the nails or a bump. A GP referred her to a specialist hospital where doctors suspected the mark could be cancer and sent a sample for testing. After a first biopsy proved inconclusive, a second biopsy confirmed pre-cancerous cells in the nailbed, which were removed to prevent progression to subungual melanoma. Lucy has since undergone regular nail checks and limits nail services to short wear.

The doctors told her the changes could have become skin cancer if left unchecked. She now checks all her nails regularly and advises others to remove artificial nails briefly to inspect the nailbeds.

This case shows how cosmetic trends can obscure warning signs of serious disease. A tiny line under a nail is not common but can be a meaningful signal. It also highlights gaps in public awareness and the need for prompt access to dermatology and biopsy when a nail change appears. The story invites reflection on how beauty rituals intersect with health care, and how professionals can better educate patients to seek care sooner.

It also raises questions about how to balance cosmetic care with health, and how the beauty industry can support safe practices without delaying medical attention.

Highlights

Health checks travel with vanity routines, not against them.