Ungual Keratoacanthoma With Features of Regression

Ungual keratoacanthoma (UKA) is an infrequent tumor. Different from keratoacanthoma in other parts of the skin, UKA rarely regresses, and grows aggressively with common destruction of the subjacent phalanx. Reported cases of UKA with features of regression are exceptional, and even dermatopathologists with reputed experience in nail pathology admit to having seen very few cases. We herein report a case of a 77-year-old man who presented a painful subungual lesion on the second finger of the right hand. An x-ray showed evidence of erosion of the subjacent distal phalanx. The patient was highly concerned about the lesion and rejected conservative treatment preferring amputation of the distal phalanx. The histopathologic examination revealed a UKA with features of regression.