Nail clipping histopathology first step in detecting nail unit melanoma
February 17, 2023 | Histopathology
Melanonychia, the dark discoloration of the nail, poses a challenge to clinicians as it often appears to be benign but can be cancerous. Current definitive diagnosis for melanonychia commonly requires nail matrix sampling but this method causes discomfort and permanent nail dystrophy to the patient.
Nail clipping histopathology can also assist in the diagnosis of other nail conditions such as nail psoriasis, onychomatricoma and subungual hematoma.
Thus, nail clipping histopathology serves as an attractive first line of diagnosis with its ability to rapidly determine nail unit melanoma with minimal invasion. With this method, important patient care can be expedited and clinicians’ time will be used more efficiently. Authors believe that there is enough evidence for all clinicians to consider this change in routine and practice.