A giant subungal exostosis perforating through skin of the toe

Abstract

Subungual exostosis is typically an uncommon, benign, bony tumor of cartilaginous bone that usually occurs as a solitary, solid lesion under the nail of the first toe or the fingernail. It may be difficult to diagnose subungual exostosis from a clinical presentation and it should be confirmed by radiographic examination. The treatment is surgical excision. It is essential to see normally cancellous bone under the area of excision to ensure that the tumor does not recur. In this article, our goal is to present a subungual exostosis case of the first toe, detailing diagnosis, pathologic findings and surgical management.