Brown line on fingernail helped catch cancer early, thanks to TikTok video
A TikTok video played a crucial role in one mother’s cancer diagnosis after it prompted her to see a doctor regarding a strange marking on her fingernail. Lauren Koltcz, a 45-year-old mother of two from North Royalton, Ohio, noticed a brown line on her left thumbnail, which she initially attributed to a vitamin deficiency. However, as the line became thicker, she began to suspect that it might be something more serious.
Despite initially being told by a nurse practitioner that it could be a fungal infection, Koltcz’s instincts told her otherwise. In February 2025, when she observed the line spreading across her nail, she turned to online resources for guidance. It was through TikTok videos from dermatologists that she came across a crucial piece of advice – individuals with brown lines on their nails should seek medical attention.
Taking this advice to heart, Koltcz booked an appointment at Cleveland Clinic, where doctors conducted a biopsy of the suspicious area. The results revealed that she had subungual melanoma, a rare type of skin cancer that develops under the nail. Fortunately, the cancer was caught at stage 0, meaning it was only in the top layer of the skin.
Subungual melanoma is a serious condition that accounts for a small percentage of all melanomas globally. Recognizing the importance of early detection, Koltcz’s doctor emphasized the need for vigilance in monitoring any changes in nail health. Prompt surgery successfully removed the cancer, and Koltcz is currently showing no evidence of the disease.
Reflecting on her experience, Koltcz expressed gratitude for catching the cancer in time and receiving excellent medical care. Moving forward, she will undergo regular follow-ups with her dermatologist to ensure continued monitoring and care.
This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies and seeking medical attention when something feels off. In this case, a simple TikTok video played a pivotal role in saving a life and highlighting the significance of early detection in cancer treatment.
