Comment on ‘Nail matrix melanoma in adolescents and young adults: a retrospective dermoscopic study’: Do observations justify revision of diagnostic criteria?

This correspondence discusses the interpretation of findings reported by Akay et al. on nail matrix melanoma (NMM) in adolescents and young adults, particularly the proposal to revise the age criterion in diagnostic algorithms from “adult age” to “after puberty.” While acknowledging the clinical importance of recognizing NMM in younger populations, we argue that observations from a retrospective referral cohort may be insufficient to justify broader diagnostic modification and emphasize the need for cautious interpretation of dermoscopic features and further prospective validation.