Many people dismiss nail discoloration as harmless, but experts warn that a dark streak on a toenail could be a sign of a rare but aggressive form of cancer that can turn fatal without early diagnosis. Podiatrists at Belmont Anderson & Associates are urging people to take nail changes seriously, explaining that the body often reveals important health clues in subtle ways. “If you notice dark discolouration that is often painful, you should be alarmed,” the Las Vegas-based clinic warns. “This is a sign of melanoma, which is a very serious form of skin cancer. You should schedule an appointment with your physician right away.” One of the reasons experts urge caution is that the early signs of subungual melanoma can appear subtle and easy to dismiss. Subtle symptom often overlooked Subungual melanoma develops in the nail bed when pigment-producing cells create excess melanin, leading to visible darkening of the nail. Although the condition is rare – it accounts for 0.7% to 3.5% ...