Scraping method: a new treatment strategy for longitudinal melanonychia with minimal nail deformity

The etiology of longitudinal melanonychia (LM) ranges from more common benign causes to less known invasive melanomas. While approximately 5% of LM in adults is attributed to melanoma1, it is usually benign in childhood. Although rare, a few cases of pediatric subungual melanoma in situ have been reported 2. For some patients and their families, melanonychia is very worrisome, and they prefer removal if only for peace of mind. Unfortunately, a surgical procedure may leave a nail deformity due to the injury to the nail matrix.
Source: Clinics in Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research