Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nail unit is a rare but often underappreciated neoplasm. Treatment can be delayed due to confusion with paronychia and verruca. Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) has been associated with this malignancy.
Objective: To describe the development of a superficially invasive SCC of the proximal nail fold in a patient infected with HIV, to report the association of a previously unrecognized HPV genotype, and to review key etiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic points as related to SCC of the proximal nail fold.
Results: This is the first report of HPV 26 coinfection in monogamous sexual partners, both of whom are HIV infected and have demonstrated lesions of malignant degeneration consistent with SCC.
Conclusion: SCC must be considered in the differential diagnosis of nail fold neoplasm. An immunocompromised condition such as HIV/AIDS may predispose to malignant degeneration of lesions caused by infection with HPV.