Predictor of Subungual Melanoma against Benign Longitudinal Melanonychia: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Korea
Su‐Hyuk Yim, In Sun Kwon, Dongkyun Hong, Kyung Eun Jung, Young Lee, Young‐Joon Seo, Chong Won Choi
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Longitudinal melanonychia (LM) is a common clinical finding. Most cases of LM are benign, and a wait-and-see approach is preferred in the management of this condition. Nevertheless, it is important for clinicians to distinguish subungual melanoma (SUM) from other benign LMs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of LM in the Korean population and to identify the predictor of SUM against other benign conditions. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study including patients who underwent nail biopsy for LM from January 2000 to May 2019. To identify the predictor of SUM, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses was performed. RESULTS: <0.001). CONCLUSION: SUM has distinct demographic and clinical features. The width of LM can predict SUM against other benign LMs.