Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nail Bed: The Great Mimicker

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nail in patients with Fitzpatrick phototypes IV-VI: a systematic review

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nail unit (nSCC) is a rare malignant tumor of the hand and nail. Although skin cancer rarely affects individuals with phototypes IV-VI, its occurrence in these groups is often associated with greater morbidity and mortality. This study aims to characterize the clinical symptoms, presentations, and treatments of nSCC in patients with darker skin types. A systematic review of PubMed and Embase was performed in May 2023 for all peer-reviewed, English-language nSCC studies involving individuals with Fitzpatrick types IV-VI. Most tumors were located on the fingernails (84%), with the right third finger being the most frequently affected (31%). The nail bed (67%) exhibited a higher prevalence than the lateral/proximal nail folds (33%). The duration of symptoms before diagnosis ranged from 1 month to 7 years. nSCC was most commonly treated with Mohs surgery (38%), followed by amputation (35%). Our study was limited to case reports because of a lack of large nSCC studies that provide information on race or images of each patient. These tumors are generally slow-growing yet often misdiagnosed, leading to delays in presentation and diagnosis. Increased awareness about nSCC in phototype IV-VI individuals will reduce misdiagnoses, unnecessary treatment, and recurrences.

Nail dystrophy for the surgeon

Injuries to the fingertips are the most frequently occurring damage to the hand. The nail is an exceptional structure within the human body that offers both stability and protection, as well as the ability to perform fine and precise movements. Nail dystrophies are numerous, post-traumatic, post-infection or even degenerative. They raise many difficulties for the treating hand surgeon. Which anatomical structure is dystrophic? Is there any secondary fungal superinfection to be treated before surgery? Among the various techniques proposed, which one will help to improve my patient as a complete cure is rarer than partial failures. In this chapter we have chosen to describe the surgical techniques, their difficulties and drawbacks, that are available for the most frequent dystrophies that the hand surgeons may treat.

Acute and chronic paronychia revisited: A narrative review

Paronychia refers to the inflammation of the tissue which immediately surrounds the nail and it can be acute (<6 weeks duration) or chronic (>6 weeks duration). Disruption of the protective barrier between the nail plate and the adjacent nail fold preceded by infectious or noninfectious etiologies results in the development of paronychia. A combination of general protective measures, and medical and/or surgical interventions are required for management. This review explores the pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, medical, and surgical management of paronychia. For the purpose of this review, we searched the PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases using the following keywords, titles, and medical subject headings (MeSH): acute paronychia, chronic paronychia, and paronychial surgeries. Relevant review articles, original articles, and case reports/series published till February 2020 were included in this study.

Skin as a Mirror to Internal Malignancy: A Rare Co-presentation of Nail Bed Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Renal Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nail bed is not encountered commonly although it is the most common primary malignancy at this site. In general, it has a low rate of spread, except for high risk types which carry a greater risk of spread. Screening for systemic tumours should be done in all cases especially in the elderly. We present the case of a 67 year old male who was otherwise healthy and presented with just nail discoloration associated with pain and occasional profuse bleeding with minor trauma which turned out to be SCC of nail bed on biopsy. Subsequently, he was screened for internal malignancies and was found to have clear cell Renal cell carcinoma of right kidney and a metastatic nodule in right lung. This presentation has not been previously described in literature.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nail bed: A case report

BACKGROUND

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nail bed is a poorly reported malignant subungual tumor. Because it presents with nonspecific symptoms and signs, it is frequently misdiagnosed by dermatologists or surgeons. A delay in diagnosis and/or wrong treatment might increase the possibility of disease progression. Thus, new perspectives are needed to assist dermatologists and surgeons with diagnosing and treating SCC. This rare case presented with a 2-year delay in the diagnosis of SCC teaches a valuable lesson.

CASE SUMMARY

A 62-year-old female presented with a non-healing subungual growth in the nail bed of the right middle finger for 2 years. The lesion was first medicated with iodine by the patient herself without any relief. Twenty months later, a dermatologist diagnosed the lesion as paronychia and treated it with nail avulsions repeatedly with no obvious alleviation. A lesionectomy confirmed the lesion was SCC. An extended excision of the tumor with amputation of the distal interphalangeal joint was subsequently performed. A biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes was negative. Due to the result of preoperative positron emission tomography-computed tomography scanning, sweeping of axillary lymph nodes was considered dispensable and was skipped. At the 2-year follow-up, the patient showed a quick recovery and no sign of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Our successful diagnosis and treatment of the case highlights the need for additional attention to long-standing non-healing lesions of the nail bed and the necessity for discreet evaluation and customization of surgical interventions.

A single centre experience of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper limb requiring digital or hand amputation and review of literature

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common primary malignancies affecting the upper limb. A range of treatment options exist for its management; amputation being indicated under certain instances. This is the first comprehensive case series and review of the literature reporting outcomes following amputation of the affected region for treatment of upper extremity SCC. We present a series of six patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper limb that required amputation alongside that of data from literature review. Patient demographics, risk factors, tumour characteristics and rates of recurrence, metastasis and mortality were recorded. A total of 45 patients with 49 histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinomas were identified from case series and literature review. Patients presenting with upper limb SCC were predominantly male and in their sixth decade of life. Mean follow up time was 30.5 months and the overall recurrence and metastatic rates were 8.2% and 14.3%, respectively. Mortality was 14.3% however only 6.1% was related to SCC metastasis. Rates of recurrence and metastasis are higher for SCCs affecting the hand as compared to other body sites. Furthermore, different regions of the hand appear to behave differently. SCC affecting the nail unit has a high recurrence and a low metastatic rate, whereas, SCC involving the palm and webspaces are aggressive and this is true despite amputation of the affected site.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nail unit

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nail apparatus is a rare malignant tumor that usually originates underneath the nail plate and grows slowly with possible bone invasion. The etiology remains unknown, although a strong association with different conditions, such as high-risk human papillomavirus (HPVs), trauma, or radiation exposure has been demonstrated. Nail SCC is called "the great mimicker nail tumor" because different clinical presentations may coexist, resembling benign or malignant nail lesions. For this reason, there is often a significant delay between the onset of nail SCC and the diagnosis. Clinical manifestation includes onycholysis and erythema, while in the advanced stages nail ulceration can be observed. The association with pain, swelling, and inflammation usually indicates an invasive SCC with involvement of the underlying bone. Metastasis is rare but possible with involvement of lymph nodes. A multidisciplinary approach to assessment, management, and follow-up is advised. Using careful examination and modern diagnostic methods, including onychoscopy, biopsy, and histopathology, will help identify SCC and prevent the invasive progression. X-ray is important to investigate the bone invasion to determine the best surgical approach that will have satisfying cosmetic and functional outcomes. Nevertheless, local excision with sufficient surgical margins, best if using Mohs surgery, is usually sufficient and superior to amputation of the distal phalanx. This review aims to highlight the correct approach in suspected SCC of the nail unit.