A 30-year-old, left-handed male patient, presented with a subungual mass of the third finger of the left hand with secondary nail dystrophy (Fig. 1). The patient did not recall any injury to that finger.
Conventional radiography revealed soft tissue swelling with cortical scalloping of the dorsal and ulnar part of the distal phalanx of the third finger (Fig. 2).
The patient underwent a high resolution 3T MRI of the nail apparatus with coronal and axial SE (spin echo) T1-w (Fig. 3-4), sagittal and axial proton density with fat saturation (Fig. 5-6), axial post gadolinium i.v injection SET1-w (Fig. 7), coronal post gadolinium i.v injection SET1-w with fat saturation (Fig. 8) and 3D VIBE post gadolinium i.v injection with multiplanar reconstructions (Fig. 9).
On MRI, the soft tissue mass corresponds to a medial subungual process within the dermis of the nail bed, iso- or low-intensity on all sequences without enhancement post gadolinium injection compatible with keratinised or fibrous tissue.
The surgical biopsy showed a keratinising cystic lesion with no atypical cells.
The epidermoid cyst is a benign cystic lesion related to the proliferation of epidermal cells whose aetiology remains controversial. The two main hypotheses are that of post-traumatic cell implant and that of embryonic cell rest [1].
The locations of intraosseous epidermoid cysts are preferentially described in the skull and distal phalanges of the fingers, especially the distal phalanx of the third finger of the left hand in men as in our case [2].
Clinically, these lesions manifest as a soft tissue swelling that is sometimes warm, tender and red. Deformation of the overlying nail has also been described in subungual locations [2].
In this clinical context, an assessment by conventional radiography is generally prescribed and shows soft tissue swelling, cortical scalloping and possibly well-defined lytic bone lesion with a sclerotic rim. In our institution, we generally complete this assessment by 3T HR MRI which allows us to specify the exact location and signal characteristics of the lesion. The epidermoid cyst typically has an intermediate signal or low signal on all sequences [3].
The differential diagnosis includes kerathoacanthoma, skin carcinomas and fibromas [2, 3]. The keratoacanthoma is a benign tumour characterized by a rapid endoexophytic growth of squamous epithelium with a central keratin-filled crater of low signal intensity on all sequences; because of their similarities keratoakanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma cannot be differentiated at MRI [3]. Fibromas are slow growing lesions composed of thick hypocellular collagen bundles with low signal on all MRI sequences and no contrast enhancement [4].
The diagnosis is confirmed on histology by the presence of a stratified squamous epithelium encapsulated lesion that contains keratinised debris [2].
Surgical resection with curettage of the lesion and its wall reduces the risk of recurrence and is the treatment of choice [5].
In conclusion, the epidermoid cyst is a benign but symptomatic lesion relatively easy to treat and it should be mentioned in the differential diagnosis of lesions in the distal end of the finger, especially in the post-traumatic context.
Subungual epidermoid cyst
Based on the provided X-ray and MRI images of the third finger on the left hand, the following characteristics can be observed:
Combining the patient’s history (30-year-old male, no clear history of trauma, local nail deformity and pain) and the imaging findings, possible diagnoses or differential diagnoses include:
Often found under the nail, it can appear as a cystic or solid-cystic lesion. On imaging, it commonly displays low or intermediate signal. Due to the presence of keratin, it may show areas of low or heterogeneous signal within the cyst, and can lead to nail deformity or damage.
These two conditions can be difficult to differentiate on MRI, both presenting as localized soft tissue masses. Nail plate destruction or a “crater-like” structure may be visible. Differences in growth rate and local aggressiveness are key points of clinical concern.
Often a slow-growing solid lesion. On MRI, it typically appears as low signal, with minimal or no enhancement, and tends to be relatively firm in texture.
Considering the patient’s age, the benign growth pattern affecting the nail, the cystic lesion on MRI, and its typical location at the fingertip, the most likely diagnosis is: Epidermoid cyst. A definitive diagnosis can usually be confirmed during surgery and through pathological examination.
Postoperative rehabilitation exercises are necessary to restore local function and prevent scar formation or joint stiffness. Following the FITT-VP principle, the rehabilitation can be divided into stages:
If the patient has other special conditions (such as osteoporosis or compromised hand blood supply), exercise intensity should be appropriately reduced, and monitoring should be increased to ensure safety.
Disclaimer: This report is a reference analysis based on the available imaging and patient history. It cannot replace a face-to-face diagnosis or the opinion of a professional physician. Any treatment or rehabilitation decision should be made in conjunction with clinical examination and specialized medical evaluation.
Subungual epidermoid cyst
