Onycholysis Associated With Carcinoma of the Lung

Abstract

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> Onycholysis, or separation of the nail from its bed, occurs most frequently with localized infections of the nails. It has also been reported in association with a number of systemic illnesses. I believe that it has not been reported to occur with carcinoma of the lung, as was found in the following patient. <h3>Report of a Case.—</h3> A 45-year-old man was admitted to the Tampa Veterans Administration Hospital in September 1976 because of a seizure disorder. A poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the lung had been diagnosed in May 1976, and the patient had received radiotherapy because the lesion was judged to be inoperable. Physical examination showed essentially normal vital signs. The patient had an expressive aphasia. His thyroid was not enlarged. A right thoracotomy scar was present, and there were decreased breath sounds and dullness over the right hemithorax. Palsies of right cranial nerves VII