Scottsdale doctor warns of nail cancer

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - A Scottsdale doctor is warning us to look at our nails closely to check for potential nail cancer. 

Dr. Bruce Werber says it is rare, but serious.

According to Werber, nail cancer accounts for 15-percent of skin cancer cases.

Although it is rare, Werber says it is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer because people are not likely to notice signs until much later. 

Werber also says women who get manicures and pedicures are more at risk because their nails are usually covered in polish.  He suggests removing polish at least once a month and examining naked nails closely.

Pam Stone, a nail technician at Steven Paul Salon in Scottsdale, has 25 years experience doing nails and she has never considered nail cancer.

"We've learned about diseases but never nail cancer," she said.

Dr. Werber says look out for dark spots that never go away, a dark line across the nail, bumps or ridges.

Werber says the best way to protect yourself is to do a visual check regularly.

"Certainly, we're not going to be coating our toenails with sunscreen 70 or anything but you need to check and not just put it off," he said.

It's a wake up call for Stone who recently discovered a dark line on her thumb.

"I just want to be safe," she said. "I'm going to get it checked just to be safe."