Keywords

Longitudinal melanonychia is characterized by tan, longitudinal nail streak caused by the presence of malanin Subungual melanoma (SM) represents approximately 1% to 3% cutaneous melanomas in Caucasian populations and it is the most serious nail apparatus disease LM is the first manifestation of SM in a majority of cases LM may be due also to benign and atypical melanocyte hyperplasia, melanocyte activation, lentigo simplex and melanocytic nevus Clinical and dermatoscopic examination is helpful in the differential diagnosis but the nature of the lesion responsable for the LM can be determined only by histopatologic examination of nail the matrix Longitudinal and punch biopsies are used in practice Surgery is the main treatment modality for SM The authors present a review of literature and their own experience in diagnosis ant treatment of patients with LM