Longitudinal Melanonychia in Korean Patients: A Clinical and Histopathologic Study of 75 Cases

Park, Su Hyun; Lee, Ji Yeoun; Yoon, Tae Young

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Longitudinal melanonychia (LM) can be challenging as it may be caused by a wide variety of benign and malignant conditions. However, there are scarce data on LM confirmed by skin biopsy examination in Korean patients.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to evaluate the clinical features and histopathologic diagnosis of LM in Korean patients.
METHODS
We reviewed the medical records and clinical photographs of patients presenting with LM confirmed by skin biopsy examination between June 2007 and June 2017.
RESULTS
Among a total of 75 patients with LM confirmed by skin biopsy examination at our hospital over a period of 10 years, 11 patients (14.7%) had malignant lesions. Common features of malignant lesions were involvement of a single nail, color heterogeneity, Hutchinson's sign, and nail plate dystrophy or ulceration. Common features of benign lesions were a negative Hutchinson's sign and absence of nail plate dystrophy and ulceration.
CONCLUSION
This study analyzed the clinical features and histopathologic diagnosis of LM in Korean patients. Our data may contribute to determining the management approach for patients with LM.