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Malignant tumors of the nail unit
Author(s) -
Spencer James M.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
dermatologic therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1529-8019
pISSN - 1396-0296
DOI - 10.1046/j.1529-8019.2002.01516.x
Subject(s) - medicine , nail (fastener) , basal cell carcinoma , melanoma , dermatology , basal cell , nail disease , biopsy , skin cancer , pathology , radiology , cancer , paronychia , cancer research , materials science , metallurgy
Malignant tumors of the nail unit are rare, often with devastating consequences. The common skin cancers, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and melanoma, are the malignancies seen arising from the nail unit. Because of the unique properties of the nail unit, these common cancers often have uncommon presentations, resulting in delayed diagnosis and advanced disease. Malignant tumors from other locations may also metastasize to the nail unit. A high level of suspicion and early biopsy allow for successful treatment.