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Published on: August 9, 2024
Nail Squamous Cell Carcinoma Involving the Nail Fold in a Skin of Color Patient: A Case Report
Dustine Reich1, Cynthia M Magro2, Kira Minkis3
1Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Introduction:
Nail squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in skin of color (SoC) patients are exceedingly rare, with only 29 cases previously reported.
Case Presentation:
We describe the case of a female Fitzpatrick skin-type V patient who presented with a 3-year history of a hyperpigmented plaque involving the proximal nail fold of her right thumbnail. The patient reported a positive Pap smear for human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and 18 seventeen years ago and had not received the HPV vaccine. Biopsy showed SCC positive for high-risk HPV, and the patient underwent Mohs surgery.
Conclusion:
This case adds to only five prior reports of female SoC patients with nail SCC and emphasizes the importance of considering nail SCC in the differential diagnosis of a hyperpigmented nail fold, especially with a history of HPV.
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