Atypical Location and Morphology of a Proximal Nail Fold Nevus Mimicking Other Diseases

Abstract

Melanocytic nevi result from the proliferation of melanocytes at the dermal-epidermal junction and/or in the dermis and very rarely affect the nail matrix and bed. Intradermal nevi are tumors often diagnosed in routine clinical dermatological practice, with typical clinical and histopathologic aspects, and found in a wide variety of skin sites. We report a case of intradermal melanocytic nevus of the proximal nail fold with uncommon intraoperative gross findings and without involvement of the nail bed or matrix, showing intradermal component only, which draws our attention to the possible different presentation of melanocytic lesions. No description of intradermal nevi at this site has been reported in the literature so far.