Melanonychia: Clues for Diagnosis and the Importance of Histology
Originally published May 26, 2021; updated February 23, 2026 by the Next Steps in Derm Editorial Team with refreshed links and expanded guidance on treating nail disorders.
Just as pigmented lesions on the skin can vary widely from freckles to lentigines to nevi to melanoma, similar pigmented lesions can be seen in nails. Melanonychia, brown …
Originally published May 26, 2021; updated February 23, 2026 by the Next Steps in Derm Editorial Team with refreshed links and expanded guidance on treating nail disorders.
Just as pigmented lesions on the skin can vary widely from freckles to lentigines to nevi to melanoma, similar pigmented lesions can be seen in nails. Melanonychia, brown … Continue reading "Melanonychia: Clues for Diagnosis and the Importance of Histology"
TODAY.com recently posted an article about one woman's experience with subungual melanoma, which was initially diagnosed as a mole. What are some common mimics to nail melanoma that could result in a missed diagnosis, and when should a dermatologist perform a nail biopsy?
For expert advice, I reached out to Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, associate professor of clinical dermatology and director of t …