Squamous cell carcinoma of the nail bed

Twenty-seven cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the nail bed seen by the author have been reviewed. Sixteen were thought to be primary tumors and eleven to be secondary to chronic exposure to radiation. All had been present for a long time prior to definitive treatment. The tumor was of low grade malignancy with a tendency to invade the distal phalanx. No metastases have been found. Treatment was amputation of the distal phalanx and involved tissues.