Squamous cell carcinoma of the nail bed

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nail bed is a rare disorder. Metastasis is extremely unusual. A case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the nail bed with metastasis to the regional lymph nodes is reported. The tumor was successfully treated by amputation of the involved finger, block dissection of the regional lymph nodes, postoperative irradiation of the involved axilla, and systemic chemotherapy. Early diagnosis by biopsy, especially in patients with recurrent and persistent disease of the nail bed, is recommended, so that treatment can be instituted early while the tumor is confined to its primary site.