- Discussion:
- indicated for the diagnosis of nail tumors or unexplained deformities;
- may be performed using "punch method" or thru open nail bed biopsy;
- open biopsies should use transverse incisions in the nail matrix and
longitudinal incisions in the nail bed;
- biopsy material should not be handled directly, but rather should be
removed with a needle;
- Nail Matrix Biopsy:
- if possible avoid biopsy thru the nail matrix, and especially avoid
biopsy of the more proximal matrix (as this contributes to the
surface of the nail);
- biopsy is indicated for pigemented longitudinal streaks (which are
suspicious for
melanoma;
- in this case mark the proximal nail fold to assist w/ locating
the pathologic matrix (after the nail is removed);
- open biopsies should use transverse incisions in the nail matrix and
longitudinal incisions in the nail bed;
