Distribution of cellular remnants of melanocytes in the nail plate: Clue to the diagnosis of subungual melanoma. (25th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oh, Se Jin; Lee, Jongeun; Lee, Jae Ho; Bae, Jaihee; Park, Ji‐Hye; Lee, Jong Hee; Lee, Dongyoun
• Is Part Of: Journal of cutaneous pathology. Volume 49:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 331
• Page End: 337
• Publication Date: 2021-10-25
• Subjects: melanonychia -- nail matrix nevi -- nail plate -- subungual melanoma; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1111/cup.14150
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-6987

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Previous studies reported that cellular remnants in the nail plate could be a diagnostic clue for subungual melanoma (SUM). We sought to characterize the histopathologic features of cellular remnants in the nail plates of SUM patients. Methods: A retrospective case‐control study was conducted in a single tertiary center from 2012 to 2019. Twenty‐three patients with pathologically diagnosed SUM and eight nail matrix nevi (NMN) patients were recruited. The analysis of the nail plate specimens focused on large cellular remnants of melanocytes (LCRMs). Longitudinal linear density and vertical distribution pattern of the LCRMs were scrutinized for possible features distinguishing SUM from NMN. Results: The median linear density of the LCRMs was significantly higher in the SUM samples than in the NMN samples. LCRMs in the SUM samples were more dorsally distributed than those in the NMN samples. In invasive SUM, LCRMs were more likely to be found in the dorsal part of the nail plate compared to SUM in situ. Conclusion: Nail plate specimens should not be overlooked in the histopathological examination of melanonychia. High‐density LCRMs with more dispersion to the dorsal side might be suggestive of SUM.