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Rapidly enlarging growth of the proximal nail fold
Whitney A High1, Stephen K Tyring, R Stan Taylor
1Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9192, USA.
Background:
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nail unit is a rare but often underappreciated neoplasm. Treatment can be delayed due to confusion with paronychia and verruca. Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) has been associated with this malignancy.
Objective:
To describe the development of a superficially invasive SCC of the proximal nail fold in a patient infected with HIV, to report the association of a previously unrecognized HPV genotype, and to review key etiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic points as related to SCC of the proximal nail fold.
Results:
This is the first report of HPV 26 coinfection in monogamous sexual partners, both of whom are HIV infected and have demonstrated lesions of malignant degeneration consistent with SCC.
Conclusion:
SCC must be considered in the differential diagnosis of nail fold neoplasm. An immunocompromised condition such as HIV/AIDS may predispose to malignant degeneration of lesions caused by infection with HPV.