Pigmented nail disorders

Abstract

Nail pigmentation is defined by the presence of melanin in the nail plate. It most frequently has the appearance of a longitudinal pigmented band, called longitudinal mel-anonychia (LM). LM is an important aspect of ungual pathology because it can be the first sign of nail apparatus melanoma. The aim of this article is to help distinguish those types of melanonychia that are worrisome and should lead to biopsy from those that are reasonably reassuring and need only be followed clinically. Histology, differential diagnosis, and biopsy techniques also are considered.