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Is Functional Surgery the Treatment of Choice for Subungual Melanoma in Situ and Subungual Microinvasive Melanoma? A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Latin American Population

  • 1Médico Dermatólogo Oncólogo, Profesor asistente Dermatología, Fundación Universitaria Ciencias de la Salud, Hospital de San José de Bogotá, Colombia.
  • 2Médico Dermatólogo, Fundación Universitaria Ciencias de la Salud, Hospital de San José de Bogotá, Colombia.
  • 3Residente de Dermatología, Fundación Universitaria Ciencias de la Salud, Hospital de San José de Bogotá, Colombia.
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June 11, 2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Nail unit melanoma (NUM) accounts for 0.7% to 3.5% globally, and for 7.1% of ALMs in Colombia. This subtype usually has a poor prognosis because of delayed diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

To compare recurrence rates (local, regional or distant) and overall survival rates of NUM in patients treated with functional surgery (FS) versus amputation in a Colombian population.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with NUM treated at a university hospital and a dermatology center in Bogotá, from 2007 to 2023. Patients aged older than 18 years with biopsy-proven NUM were included, excluding those with other nail conditions or immunocompromise. The study compared FS and amputation outcomes using univariate and bivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Of 45 NUM cases, 15 were men and 30 women. Lesions were more common on toenails (53.3%). Thirteen patients underwent amputation, whereas 32 had FS. The median follow-up was 52 months, with no regional recurrence, metastasis, or death. One local recurrence occurred in a patient initially treated with amputation. Conclusion: This study found no significant differences in recurrence, metastasis, or survival between FS and amputation. Although both interventions result in low recurrence and high survival rates, FS is preferred because of better cosmetic and functional outcomes.