Subungual exostosis of the great toe: a case report and tumor overview

Subungual exostosis is an acquired, benign, and solitary bone tumor of the distal phalanx occurring beneath or adjacent to nail. A 18-year-old man presented with a lump, ulceration, and pain on his right big toe. This complaint was present for the past 2 years. Initially, lump and pain were present, and since the past 6 months ulceration and superadded infection occurred. Plain radiograph showed a calcified lesion that was continuous with the phalangeal cortical surface in the distal dorsal aspect of the big toe. Excisional biopsy with complete nail removal and reconstruction of the tip of the toe were done. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of subungual exostosis. Clinical or radiological recurrence was not observed after 26 months of follow-up. The case is reported to present the tumor overview and to highlight that the diagnosis of this benign lesion should not be missed. Clinical and radiological features allow early diagnosis and treatment thus preventing the lesion to progress to the stage of onycholysis.

Therapeutic, Level IV.