Work

Nail apparatus melanoma: a diagnostic opportunity

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Malignant Melanoma is a high mortality neoplasm. The involvement of the nail apparatus is rare, with only 2 out of 3 patients seeking medical attention as the result of recent nail melanocytic lesions. This results in late diagnosis and a prognosis worse than cutaneous melanoma. We report a female, presenting with ulcerative lesions with clinical and laboratory features compatible with leishmaniasis. On return after treatment initiation a longitudinal melanonychia was observed on her first right finger. Biopsy of the nail matrix was performed. Histopathology was compatible with melanoma in situ. Longitudinal melanonychia is not a specific sign for melanoma and it is important that the dermatologist should identify the suspect lesions correctly. The incidental diagnosis of nail melanoma in situ in our case significantly impacted the patient's survival.

Source: Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia

DOI: 10.1590/s0365-05962013000200017

Authors: Ana Maria Carreño, Sílvia Rocha Nakajima, Silmara N. Pennini, Renato Candido Junior, Antonio Pedro Mendes Schettini

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Amadeu Antonio Foundation

Language: English

Topic: Cutaneous Melanoma Detection and Management

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,700