Infundibulocystic basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid in basal cell nevus syndrome

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is a rare genetic disorder associated with basal cell carcinomas (BCC), skeletal anomalies, and jaw cysts, and a number of ocular abnormalities. We describe a case of a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with NBCCS found to have several ophthalmic manifestations including a myelinated retinal nerve fiber. We conducted a literature review targeting the ocular and systemic manifestations of NBCCS, with a focus on the ophthalmic findings that have not been well characterized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a literature search from 1960 to 2021 utilizing specific keywords and criteria and excluded non-clinical articles. A total of 46 articles were ultimately used for the literature review.

RESULTS

In NBCCS, BCCs typically present before the age of 30 and gradually become numerous. Certain ocular features, less common in the general population, are much more common with NBCCS. Depending on the study, prevalence of these features in patients with NBCCS ranges from 26-80% for hypertelorism and 7-36% for myelinated retinal nerve fiber layer. Prevalence of nystagmus in patients with NBCCS was found to be approximately 6%. Systemic findings such as bilamellar calcification of the falx cerebri, palmar pits, and odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) are also prevalent.

CONCLUSION

NBCCS may affect numerous organ systems, and thus requires a multidisciplinary team to manage. BCCs and jaw cysts are commonly occurring clinical features that have various surgical excisional options. The ocular anomalies of NBCCS are individually rare, and certain anomalies may present in the amblyogenic period of development and contribute to visual impairment.

Mutations in SUFU and PTCH1 genes may cause different cutaneous cancer predisposition syndromes: similar, but not the same

Many cancer predisposition syndromes are preceded or accompanied by a range of typical skin signs. Gorlin syndrome is a rare multisystem inherited disorder which can predispose to basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), childhood medulloblastomas in addition to various developmental abnormalities; the majority of cases are due to mutations in the PTCH1 gene. Approximately 5% of cases have been attributed to a mutation in the SUFU gene. Certain phenotypic features have been identified as being more prevalent in individuals with a SUFU mutation such as childhood medulloblastoma, infundibulocystic BCCs and trichoepitheliomas. Recently hamartomatous skin lesions have also been noted in families with childhood medulloblastoma, a "Gorlin like" phenotype and a SUFU mutation. Here we describe a family previously diagnosed with Gorlin syndrome with a novel SUFU splice site deleterious genetic variant, who have several dermatological features including palmar sclerotic fibromas which has not been described in relation to a SUFU mutation before. We highlight the features more prominent in individuals with a SUFU mutation. It is important to note that emerging therapies for treatment of BCCs in patients with a PTCH1 mutation may not be effective in those with a SUFU mutation.

Basal cell carcinoma of the skin (part 1): epidemiology, pathology and genetic syndromes

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer worldwide with increasing incidence, but difficult to assess due to the current under registration practice. Despite the low mortality rate, BCC is a cause of great morbidity and an economic burden to health services. There are several risk factors that increase the risk of BCC and partly explain its incidence. Low-penetrance susceptibility alleles, as well as genetic alterations in signaling pathways, namely SHH pathway, also contribute to the carcinogenesis. BCC associate with several genetic syndromes, of which basal cell nevus syndrome is the most common.

Review of Ocular Manifestations of Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome: What an Ophthalmologist Needs to Know

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), odontogenic keratocysts, palmar and/or plantar pits, and ectopic calcifications of the falx cerebri. Myriad ophthalmologic findings are associated with NBCCS, including periocular BCCs, hypertelorism, strabismus, myelinated nerve fibers, and disorders of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium. We performed a literature search in PubMed for articles on the ophthalmologic manifestations of Gorlin syndrome, published between 1984 and 2014. Of 33 papers, 31 were included. Although Gorlin syndrome is due to mutations in a single gene, it displays variable phenotypic expressivity. Therefore, familiarity with this disorder across clinical specialties is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis. The ophthalmologist should be included in the multidisciplinary team for the management of Gorlin syndrome in order to prevent visual loss and improve the quality of life of these patients.