ABSTRACT
In literature, only 200 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have been reported so far; however, this is the most common malignant tumor of the nail unit. Studies suggest that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (especially, HPV-16 isolated in more than 60% of the cases) is involved in its pathogenesis. Other possible etiologies include iatrogenic or accidental irradiation (radiologists and technicians), chronic infl ammation and chronic solar irradiation (although this factor is less supported since the nail plate blocks all the amount of UVB and allows only a small quantity of UVA to penetrate). Men over 50 are candidate patients, with the thumb and index fi ngers being the most preferred location for the disease. It is rarely found on the toes.
