Dermatologic clinics
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Dermatologic clinics · Apr 2015
ReviewTips for diagnosis and treatment of nail pigmentation with practical algorithm.
The observation of a black-brown pigmentation of the nail is often alarming for the patient and for the clinician, as they are aware that it can be a possible clinical manifestation of melanoma of the nail apparatus. Luckily, however, nail melanoma is a much less frequent cause of brown-black nail color than other melanocytic and nonmelanocytic pigmentations, which include subungual hematoma, exogenous pigmentations, and melanonychia due to benign conditions. A correct clinical history and careful examination help the clinician to distinguish the different conditions and to decide the correct management of melanonychia both in children and in adults.
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Nail punch biopsy is used to obtain a tissue sample for the diagnosis and treatment of nail diseases. The best results will be possible if the surgeon is familiar with the anatomy and physiology of the nail apparatus. A punch biopsy can be used in all regions of the nail apparatus in the presence or absence of nail plate. When the procedure is performed with a careful handling of the anatomic site and specimen, in most cases a successful diagnosis can be achieved.