Subungual Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Patient with Psoriasis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Subungual squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare malignancy.
• It often presents with an indolent course and unknown etiology.
• Misdiagnosis as benign lesions leads to delayed treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic challenges of subungual SCC.
• To discuss potential risk factors associated with psoriasis treatments.
• To emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis and biopsy.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with psoriasis and subungual SCC.
• Review of patient's treatment history including cyclosporine and PUVA.
• Diagnostic confirmation through nail elevation and biopsy.

Main Results:

• The patient developed cutaneous SCC and subsequently subungual SCC.
• Psoriasis treatment with cyclosporine and PUVA was noted.
• Nail elevation and biopsy confirmed subungual SCC.

Conclusions:

• Subungual SCC is frequently invasive at diagnosis due to misdiagnosis.
• Nail elevation and biopsy are recommended for suspicious lesions.
• Cyclosporine and PUVA, used for psoriasis, are potential risk factors for cutaneous SCC.