Work

Nail Squamous Cell Carcinoma Involving the Nail Fold in a Skin of Color Patient: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Nail squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in skin of color (SoC) patients are exceedingly rare, with only 29 cases previously reported. Case Presentation: We describe the case of a female Fitzpatrick skin-type V patient who presented with a 3-year history of a hyperpigmented plaque involving the proximal nail fold of her right thumbnail. The patient reported a positive Pap smear for human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and 18 seventeen years ago and had not received the HPV vaccine. Biopsy showed SCC positive for high-risk HPV, and the patient underwent Mohs surgery. Conclusion: This case adds to only five prior reports of female SoC patients with nail SCC and emphasizes the importance of considering nail SCC in the differential diagnosis of a hyperpigmented nail fold, especially with a history of HPV.

Source: Case Reports in Dermatology

DOI: 10.1159/000552437

Authors: Dustine Reich, Cynthia M. Magro, Kira Minkis, Shari R. Lipner

Institution: Weill Cornell Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,030