melanonychia

the patient presented with several longitudinal melanonychia bands on their toenails.

melanonychia can be a sign of subungual melanoma, requiring further investigation.

a dermatologist should evaluate any new or changing melanonychia.

distal melanonychia is often associated with trauma or nail fold inflammation.

longitudinal melanonychia is more concerning for melanoma than other types.

regular nail examinations are important for detecting melanonychia early.

the differential diagnosis of melanonychia includes benign causes like medication side effects.

biopsy is often necessary to rule out melanoma in cases of suspicious melanonychia.

familial history of melanoma increases the concern for melanonychia.

the appearance of melanonychia should not be ignored, even if it seems minor.

careful documentation of melanonychia characteristics is crucial for monitoring changes.