Nail Apparatus Melanoma: dermoscopic and histopathologic correlations on a series of 23 patients from a single center

Abstract

Background

Nail apparatus melanoma is an uncommon tumor and there are few studies focused on its dermoscopic features.

Objective

the aims of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy in nail apparatus melanoma. A diagnostic algorithm for adult patients with suspected nail apparatus melanoma is proposed.

Methods

We collected nail apparatus melanoma dermoscopic images of patients with a proven histopathology from 2008 until 2015. Clinical and dermoscopic images were blindly examined by 2 dermatologists and correlations between histopathological aspects and dermoscopic features were investigated.

Results

We retrospectively collected nail apparatus melanoma dermoscopic images associated to a proven histopathology of 23 Caucasian patients. Only cases with available both pre-operative dermoscopic images and bioptic specimens were included. 17 women and 6 men were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 63 years (range 18–92).

Conclusion

we created an algorithm to indicate the correct way to follow an adult patient with suspected nail apparatus melanoma. This algorithm may ameliorate management in case of suspected nail apparatus melanoma and possibly facilitate an early diagnosis.

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