Ungueal melanoma and vitiligo: case report

Abstract

Subungual melanoma is a rare clinical entity of melanoma. It usually involves an unsuspecting lesion in the thumb or big toe, thus late diagnosis. Majority of patients are middle-aged or older, usually of dark skin ethnicity. The association between melanoma and vitiligo has been described for over 50 years, showing increased survival rates in affected patients suggesting immune response to melanoma. The objective of this report is to describe a clinical case of nail melanoma, presenting as enlargened unilateral inguinal lymph node associated with rapid and progressive vitiligo. However, investigations proved late diagnosis, with subsequent progression of the disease