An Ohio mother is crediting a TikTok video with helping her catch a rare form of skin cancer at its earliest stage — potentially saving her life.
Lauren Koltcz, 45, from North Royalton, noticed a thin brown streak on her left thumbnail. At first, she assumed it was caused by a vitamin deficiency. But as time went on, the line widened and darkened. “I had this nagging feeling it was something more,” she said.
After applying over-the-counter antifungal medication with no improvement, Koltcz began searching for answers online. She stumbled upon a TikTok video from a dermatologist warning viewers about dark lines on the nails — a potential sign of melanoma.
That short video led her to schedule an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic. Following a biopsy, doctors diagnosed Koltcz with subungual melanoma, a rare but serious skin cancer that forms under the nails. Fortunately, it was caught at stage 0, meaning the cancer was still confined to the outer layer of skin.
What Is Subungual Melanoma?
Subungual melanoma is an uncommon but potentially aggressive type of skin cancer. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it accounts for just 0.7% to 3.5% of all melanomas worldwide. It most often appears as a dark streak under a fingernail or toenail and is sometimes mistaken for bruising, fungal infections, or even normal pigmentation.
Dr. Alison Vidimos, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic, performed the biopsy. “The pigmentation was very dark, had different shades of brown, and the spot was wider than 3 millimeters — all of which raised concern,” said Vidimos.
Why Nail Changes Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Changes to the nails may seem minor, but experts urge people to pay attention. Discoloration, streaks, or changes in nail shape or thickness could be signs of underlying health issues — including cancer.
“This type of melanoma is often diagnosed late because people don’t routinely check their nails or think of them as areas for skin cancer,” Dr. Vidimos explained. “But early detection leads to a survival rate of over 95%.”
Surgery and Recovery
Koltcz underwent prompt surgery to remove the cancerous area and surrounding tissue. She is currently cancer-free but will continue regular dermatology visits to monitor for recurrence.
“I just kept thinking, ‘How lucky am I that I caught it in time and had such great doctors to treat it?’” Koltcz shared.
Practical Health Advice: When to See a Doctor for Nail Changes
Health experts recommend seeing a doctor or dermatologist if you notice:
- A dark stripe on a nail, especially if it’s new or growing
- A change in nail color that doesn’t improve
- A nail that splits or changes shape without trauma
- Discoloration that spreads beyond the nail into the surrounding skin
- Early evaluation can lead to faster diagnosis and more effective treatment.
The Power of Digital Health Awareness
This case is a powerful example of how social media can be used for health education. While not a substitute for professional medical advice, reputable content — particularly from licensed medical professionals — can raise awareness and empower individuals to take action.
Koltcz’s experience is a reminder that listening to your body and acting on concerns, even small ones, can have life-saving consequences.
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