Overview
Onychocytic matricoma is an extremely rare, benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows in the nail matrix, which is the tissue at the base of your nail responsible for producing the nail plate. This tumor is made up of onychocytes, which are the specialized cells that form the nail. Because it arises in the nail matrix, it typically causes visible changes to the affected nail, such as thickening, discoloration, or a band of abnormal nail growth. It was first described in the medical literature relatively recently and only a small number of cases have been reported worldwide. Onychocytic matricoma is classified as a benign nail tumor, meaning it does not spread to other parts of the body and is not considered cancerous. However, because nail changes can sometimes look similar to other conditions — including melanoma under the nail or other nail tumors — it is important to get a proper diagnosis. The condition usually affects a single nail, most often on the hand. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the tumor, which is usually curative. After complete excision, the nail may grow back normally, though some cosmetic changes to the nail can persist. Because this condition is so rare, there are no large clinical trials or standardized treatment guidelines, and management is based on individual case reports and expert opinion. The overall outlook is excellent, as this is a benign growth with no known tendency to become malignant.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Thickening of a single nailDiscoloration or color change of the nailA visible band or streak running along the nailRidging or grooves on the nail surfaceA painless lump or mass at the base of the nailNail plate distortion or deformityYellowish or whitish nail changesSlow-growing nail abnormality
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Onychocytic matricoma.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Onychocytic matricoma.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is this nail change definitely an onychocytic matricoma, or could it be something else?,Do I need a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis?,What does the surgical removal involve, and what is the recovery time?,Will my nail grow back normally after surgery?,Is there any chance this could come back after removal?,Could this be a sign of a more serious condition like melanoma?,How often should I follow up after treatment?
Common questions about Onychocytic matricoma
What is Onychocytic matricoma?
Onychocytic matricoma is an extremely rare, benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows in the nail matrix, which is the tissue at the base of your nail responsible for producing the nail plate. This tumor is made up of onychocytes, which are the specialized cells that form the nail. Because it arises in the nail matrix, it typically causes visible changes to the affected nail, such as thickening, discoloration, or a band of abnormal nail growth. It was first described in the medical literature relatively recently and only a small number of cases have been reported worldwide. Onychocytic matricom
How is Onychocytic matricoma inherited?
Onychocytic matricoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Onychocytic matricoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Onychocytic matricoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Onychocytic matricoma?
12 specialists and care centers treating Onychocytic matricoma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.