Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails01:05

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails

Nails are one of the important accessory structures of the skin. They are hard, protective structures that cover the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of fingers and toes. Nails are composed of specialized keratinized cells and serve various functions, including protection, sensation, and manual dexterity.
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction01:23

Cirrhosis I: Introduction

Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation01:29

Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation

In a cardiovascular examination, inspection and palpation are crucial for identifying abnormalities.
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Maintenance of response with icotrokinra, a targeted oral peptide, for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: Randomized treatment withdrawal in adults from the phase 3, ICONIC-LEAD study.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology·2026
Same author

A randomized, double-blind, phase 3 study to compare efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity between DMB-3115 and reference product ustekinumab in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

JAAD international·2025
Same author

Efficacy and Safety of Risankizumab in Genital or Scalp Psoriasis in the UnlIMMited Phase 4 Randomized Clinical Trial at Week 16.

Dermatology and therapy·2025
Same author

Richard K. Scher, MD.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology·2025
Same author

Modern definitions of periungual pigmentation (Hutchinson sign): Results of an expert opinion consensus conference.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology·2025
Same author

In Memoriam: Richard K. Scher MD.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology·2025
Same journal

Review on the Application of Biologic Factors in Atopic Dermatitis and Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.

Dermatology research and practice·2026
Same journal

Outcomes of Electrosurgery Combined With 50% TCA Application in Patients With Rhinophyma.

Dermatology research and practice·2026
Same journal

The Role of <i>Gynostemma pentaphyllum</i> Extract in Combating H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-Induced Oxidative Stress and Preventing Hair Graying.

Dermatology research and practice·2026
Same journal

Antiaging Potential of <i>Peronema canescens</i> Jack Leaf Extract: A Natural Ingredient in Topical Skincare Formulation.

Dermatology research and practice·2026
Same journal

The Relationship Between the Frequency of Hair Shampooing and the Condition of Hair and Scalp Among the Population of Saudi Arabia.

Dermatology research and practice·2026
Same journal

Preparation and Optimization of Voriconazole Gel 0.25% for Topical Delivery in Terbinafine Resistance Dermatophytosis: In Vitro and Pilot Animal Study.

Dermatology research and practice·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy
05:06

Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy

Published on: February 28, 2025

Melanonychia.

Julie Jefferson1, Phoebe Rich

  • 1Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.

Dermatology Research and Practice
|July 14, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Melanonychia, or brown-to-black nail pigmentation, is often mistaken for melanoma. Differentiating benign causes from nail melanoma is crucial for timely diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.

More Related Videos

Laser Microdissection-Based Protocol for the LC-MS/MS Analysis of the Proteomic Profile of Neuromelanin Granules
07:35

Laser Microdissection-Based Protocol for the LC-MS/MS Analysis of the Proteomic Profile of Neuromelanin Granules

Published on: December 16, 2021

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
06:15

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Published on: August 9, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy
05:06

Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy

Published on: February 28, 2025

Laser Microdissection-Based Protocol for the LC-MS/MS Analysis of the Proteomic Profile of Neuromelanin Granules
07:35

Laser Microdissection-Based Protocol for the LC-MS/MS Analysis of the Proteomic Profile of Neuromelanin Granules

Published on: December 16, 2021

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
06:15

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Published on: August 9, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Melanonychia, characterized by brown-to-black nail pigmentation, presents a diagnostic challenge.
  • Melanoma of the nail unit, though rare, is the most serious cause, often initially misdiagnosed.
  • Benign etiologies like melanocytic activation, hyperplasia, and pathogen invasion are more common causes of melanonychia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by melanonychia.
  • To emphasize the importance of distinguishing melanoma from benign causes of nail pigmentation.
  • To advocate for a systematic approach in evaluating nail pigmentation to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical presentations of melanonychia.
  • Analysis of differential diagnoses for brown-to-black nail pigmentation.
  • Emphasis on systematic clinical evaluation and knowledge of etiologies.

Main Results:

  • Melanonychia is frequently caused by benign conditions, not melanoma.
  • Diagnostic delays for nail apparatus melanoma average two years, leading to poor prognosis.
  • Accurate differentiation is key to preventing misdiagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • A thorough understanding of melanonychia causes is essential for clinicians.
  • Systematic evaluation of nail pigmentation can prevent misdiagnosis of nail melanoma.
  • Improved diagnostic strategies can lead to better prognosis for patients with nail unit melanoma.