Overview
Onychomatricoma is a rare, benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows from the nail matrix, which is the tissue under the base of your nail responsible for nail growth. It is sometimes called a "nail matrix tumor." This tumor most commonly affects fingernails, though it can also occur on toenails. It typically appears as a thickening of the nail with a yellowish discoloration and characteristic woodworm-like holes or channels visible within the nail plate when the nail is clipped. The nail may also appear ridged or have an unusual band of color. Onychomatricoma grows slowly and is usually painless, though some people notice mild discomfort or cosmetic changes that prompt them to seek medical attention. This condition was first described in 1992 and is considered quite rare, though it may be underdiagnosed because it can be mistaken for other nail conditions such as fungal nail infections, nail bed tumors, or other nail dystrophies. It affects adults most commonly, and there does not appear to be a strong preference for one sex over the other, though some studies suggest a slight female predominance. The main treatment for onychomatricoma is surgical removal (excision) of the tumor from the nail matrix. When the tumor is completely removed, the nail usually regrows normally, and recurrence is uncommon. Because this is a benign growth, no chemotherapy or radiation is needed. Early and accurate diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary treatments for conditions it may mimic, such as fungal infections.
Key symptoms:
Thickened nailYellow discoloration of the nailRidges or grooves along the nailSmall holes or channels visible in the cut edge of the nailSplinter hemorrhages (tiny lines of bleeding under the nail)Overcurvature of the nailA painless bump under the base of the nailNail that appears wider than normalPigmented band on the nail (especially in darker skin)Nail that bleeds easily when trimmed
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 Onychomatricoma.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Onychomatricoma at this time.
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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 Onychomatricoma.
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.How can you be sure this is onychomatricoma and not a fungal infection or another type of nail tumor?,What diagnostic tests do you recommend to confirm the diagnosis?,What does the surgical removal procedure involve, and will I need general or local anesthesia?,What are the chances my nail will grow back normally after surgery?,How likely is it that the tumor will come back after removal?,Are there any risks or complications I should know about with the surgery?,How long will recovery take, and when can I return to normal activities?
Common questions about Onychomatricoma
What is Onychomatricoma?
Onychomatricoma is a rare, benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows from the nail matrix, which is the tissue under the base of your nail responsible for nail growth. It is sometimes called a "nail matrix tumor." This tumor most commonly affects fingernails, though it can also occur on toenails. It typically appears as a thickening of the nail with a yellowish discoloration and characteristic woodworm-like holes or channels visible within the nail plate when the nail is clipped. The nail may also appear ridged or have an unusual band of color. Onychomatricoma grows slowly and is usually painles
How is Onychomatricoma inherited?
Onychomatricoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Onychomatricoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Onychomatricoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Onychomatricoma?
15 specialists and care centers treating Onychomatricoma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.