title: Subungual squamous cell carcinoma masquerading as a melanotic macule.
abstract: Subungual squamous cell carcinoma is a rare condition. Diagnosis is often delayed because it presents with minimal nail changes and mimics a number of benign nail conditions. We report a 43-year-old Chinese man who presented with a three-year history of an indolent melanotic macule of the fingernail. Histology from a punch biopsy revealed a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Wide local excision with full thickness skin grafting was performed. Physicians should have a high index of clinical suspicion as early nail biopsy and prompt tumour clearance can preserve joint function.
authors: National Skin Centre, 1 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308205. hazeloon@nsc.gov.sg
authors: H H
authors: HH
authors: Oon
authors: S P W
authors: SP
authors: Kumarasinghe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008548:Melanosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D009260:Nail Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors