Overview

• Laura Jennings discovered a mark under her toenail in April 2022, initially misdiagnosed as a fungal infection during a remote GP consultation.
• Her condition worsened over a year, leading to a dermatologist referral and a diagnosis of acral lentiginous melanoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer.
• Surgical interventions included nail and tumor removal, partial toe amputation, and lymph node testing, which confirmed the cancer had not spread.
• Now under a five-year follow-up plan, Laura is using her experience to promote vigilance for unusual nail changes and the importance of early detection.
• Acral lentiginous melanoma accounts for only 1–3% of melanoma cases and is unrelated to sun exposure, underscoring the need for broader awareness.