Subungual pigmented nevus: evaluation of DNA ploidy in six cases.

Abstract

The discrimination between subungual pigmented nevus and subungual melanoma in situ is still a clinical problem. We measured DNA ploidy in six cases of subungual melanotic lesions which exhibited the features of subungual pigmented nevus or lentigo simplex histologically. Five cases presented a diploid pattern with or without a slight increase of hyperdiploid cells. One case presented a polyploid pattern; it also exhibited histologically abnormal melanocytes with large nuclei and pigment-filled elongated dendrites. The DNA ploidy pattern and histologic features suggest that the lesion of this latter case contains abnormal melanocytes which probably have the potential to undergo a malignant transformation into a subungual melanoma. DNA ploidy analysis, therefore, is likely to provide information for evaluating the biologic behavior of subungual melanotic lesions.

• Authors: A Asahina, H I Chi, F Otsuka
• Journal: The Journal of dermatology (J Dermatol) Vol. 20 Issue 8 Pg. 466-72 (Aug 1993) ISSN: 0385-2407 [Print] England
• PMID: 8245307 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• DNA, Neoplasm

Topics

• Adult
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• DNA, Neoplasm (analysis)
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Melanoma (genetics, pathology)
• Nails (pathology)
• Nevus, Pigmented (genetics, pathology)
• Ploidies
• Skin Neoplasms (genetics, pathology)