title: Nail biopsy vignettes.
abstract: Several important aspects of nail biopsies are reviewed: techniques for reliably demonstrating dermatophytes within the nail unit; the use and advantages of double action nail clippers; biopsy by the double punch method; risk/benefit considerations in preoperative patient discussions; malignancies masquerading as nail dystrophies; selected aspects of anesthesia and hemostasis; and the importance of communication between the dermatologist and pathologist in assuring accurate nail biopsy interpretation.
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009260:Nail Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D014009:Onychomycosis / Q000175:diagnosis