Squamous cell carcinoma of the great toe

Nail bed malignancies are rare entities. Most nail bed malignancies are squamous cell carcinomas. The correct diagnosis is often delayed because nail bed malignancies are frequently mistaken for benign or infectious processes. This case involved a painful glomus tumor of the nail bed which complicated the diagnosis and perhaps initiated the development of a malignancy. The importance of a biopsy for chronic nonhealing lesions is stressed. The diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are reviewed.