Ungual basal cell carcinoma of the fifth toe mimicking chronic dermatitis

BACKGROUND: The finger, toe, and nail unit are rare sites of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Only a few patients with BCC of the foot have been described in the world literature, and ungual BCC is even less frequent. OBJECTIVE: To discuss through a case report the clinical features and diagnosis of BCC of the foot. METHODS: We report an unusual case of BCC of the nail unit of the fifth toe of an elderly woman that mimicked chronic dermatitis. CONCLUSION: Our case clearly highlights the need for biopsy and histopathologic examination whenever we see inflammatory lesions with a loss of substance that are refractory to systemic or topical treatments.