TikTok video aids woman’s early cancer diagnosis
- Lauren Koltcz observed a brown line on her thumbnail which she initially thought was due to a vitamin deficiency.
- After the line thickened and became alarming, she consulted medical professionals and ultimately underwent a biopsy.
- The early detection of subungual melanoma resulted in successful treatment, highlighting the importance of monitoring nail changes.
In a remarkable health journey, Lauren Koltcz, a 45-year-old mother from North Royalton, Ohio, experienced a life-changing moment after noticing a brown line on her left thumbnail. Initially attributing this unusual marking to a potential vitamin deficiency, she soon realized that it might be indicative of something more severe. As the brown line on her nail thickened, her concerns grew, prompting her to consult a nurse practitioner. After being advised that it could be a fungal infection, she attempted treatment with antifungal medication, which proved ineffective. Feeling that her condition required further investigation, Koltcz turned to online resources and discovered several TikTok videos created by dermatologists discussing similar nail markings. One particular video urged viewers with brown lines on their nails to seek professional medical advice, which ultimately inspired Koltcz to take action. In February 2025, by recognizing the need for a medical evaluation, she scheduled an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic. During her visit to the clinic, dermatologists examined her nail and deemed the pigmentation concerning. Vidimos, the chairman emeritus of the Department of Dermatology at Cleveland Clinic, noted dark pigmentation and varying shades of brown, emphasizing that the spot exceeded 3 millimeters in width, a significant marker for potential malignancy. A biopsy was conducted, and in just four days, the results identified Koltcz with subungual melanoma, a rare type of skin cancer that develops under the nail. Fortunately, her cancer was diagnosed at stage 0, meaning it had only penetrated the top layer of skin. Medical specialists reported that when detected early, this form of melanoma has a survival rate of over 95%. Following her diagnosis, Koltcz underwent prompt surgical intervention to remove the malignant area and surrounding tissue to prevent any remaining cancer cells. Reflecting on her experience, Koltcz expressed gratitude for the timely detection and excellent medical care she received. She is currently cancer-free but will continue with regular follow-up appointments to ensure her health remains stable.