Melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma on different nails of the same hand

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 Feb;58(2):323-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2007.08.031.

Abstract

Nail dyschromia, including melanonychia and erythronychia, encompasses a wide range of possible diagnoses. While the majority of these lesions are benign, malignancies of the nail unit represent a sinister, and potentially life-threatening, cause of nail dyschromia. Unfamiliarity with tumors of the nail apparatus can lead to a delay in diagnosis. A case is presented of a patient with two separate and concurrent malignant neoplasms of the nail unit, on different nails on the same hand, each featuring an unusual clinical presentation: amelanotic melanoma presenting as longitudinal erythronychia and squamous cell carcinoma in situ presenting as longitudinal melanonychia. This presentation underscores the need for a low threshold for biopsy in the presence of nail dyschromia of uncertain etiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma, Amelanotic / pathology*
  • Melanoma, Amelanotic / surgery
  • Mohs Surgery
  • Nail Diseases / pathology*
  • Nail Diseases / surgery
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / pathology*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / surgery
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery