Monodactylous Longitudinal Melanonychia: A Sign of Bowen's Disease in Skin of Color

Skin Appendage Disord. 2021 Jun;7(4):306-310. doi: 10.1159/000514221. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

Abstract

Introduction: Monodactylous longitudinal melanonychia (LM) may represent both benign and malignant dermatologic disorders. However, squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCis) is not commonly considered in this setting.

Case presentation: In this report, we present 2 cases of SCCis of the nail matrix in patients with skin of color who presented with monodactylous LM involving the lateral aspect of the nail.

Conclusion: These cases suggest that SCCis should be included in the differential diagnosis for monodactylous LM, especially when involving the lateral nail plate in darker skin.

Keywords: Bowen's disease; Melanonychia; Nail pathology; Squamous cell carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports