Subungual fibro-osseous pseudotumour of the toe

Benign growing mass of the digit presenting as an ulcerated mass - case report and review of the literature

A 68 year-old female presents with an ulcerated mass of the 5th digit, with rapid growth during the previous month to surgery. The mass was excised and covered with a 4th dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap. The histologic analysis was compatible with the diagnosis of fibro-osseous pseudotumor of the digit.

First report of an aneurysmal bone cyst presenting as subungual mass

Painful subungual tumor masses in the toes usually emerge as glomus tumors or subungual exostoses. We present a patient with an aneurysmal bone cyst located subungually in whom the diagnosis was delayed due to inadequate diagnostic procedures, which led to marked destruction of the distal phalanx of the great toe of the right foot. After biopsy, the distal phalanx could not be preserved due to critical soft tissue involvement and the size of the process. Thus, we describe this rare entity to encourage clinicians to establish the diagnosis by biopsy of a tissue swelling of unclear origin and duration that does not resolve after a short time. Imaging examinations are useful in demonstrating periosteal involvement and extension of the lesion and can be helpful in the diagnostic algorithm. An interdisciplinary approach is a top priority to ensure optimal treatment.