[Subungual melanoma with linear nail pigmentation].

A 53 year old male patient presented with a dark-brown linear pigmentation of the thumb nail due to a subungual melanoma mainly of the superficial spreading melanoma-type. Melanin-induced nail pigmentations are recommended to be treated by a resection in local anaemia of the dorsal two thirds of the terminal phalanx. This procedure combines sufficient radical surgery with a good functional and acceptable cosmetic result.