Marathon of eponyms: 7 Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (Naevoid basal-cell carcinoma syndrome)

Gorlin syndrome: A rare case report

Gorlin syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited condition that exhibits high penetrance and variable expressivity. The syndrome is caused by mutations in PTCH, a tumor suppressor gene that has been mapped to chromosome 9q22.3-q31. It is observed that most aggressive forms of keratocystic odontogenic tumor are the first signs of this syndrome which show a high recurrence rate due to its varied histopathological features. The other components are multiple basal cell carcinomas of the skin, intracranial calcifications and rib and vertebral anomalies. In addition, >100 minor criteria have been described with two major and one minor criteria or one major and three minor criteria necessary for confirmatory diagnosis. It is a rare syndrome having an estimated incidence of 1 in 50,000–150,000 in the general population with a 3:1 male/female gender predilection. Here, we report the case of a 14-year-old female patient diagnosed with Gorlin syndrome.

Odontogenic Keratocysts as First Manifestation of Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome: Surgical Management and Immunohistochemical Analysis

Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS), also known as Gorlin syndrome, is a rare autosomal dominant disorder, with no gender predilection. Individuals with NBCCS are commonly diagnosed between 17 and 35 years old and can present multiple basal cell carcinomas scattered throughout the body, presence of recurrent and early-onset odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and skeletal abnormalities. This article describes a case of a 13-year-old white boy who referred complaining of facial asymmetry. Extraoral examination revealed volumetric increase displacing the nasal ala from the right side and extended to the zygomatic bone. The intraoral evaluation showed mixed dentition with moderate degree of malocclusion. In addition, bilateral vestibular fornix swelling was observed in the upper canine region. An increase in volume was also detected on the hard palate on the right side. Computed tomography revealed multiple hypodense lesions with cystic appearance. The aspiration was positive, with a yellowish aspirate of serous consistency of all lesions. Given the numerous lesions, it was decided to decompress them for posterior enucleation procedures. In addition to other manifestations, the patient was diagnosed with NBCCS. Although common, the occurrence of OKCs in pediatric patients, especially in multiple lesions, is highly indicative of NBCCS, and its investigation should be considered, even in the absence of other signs of this syndrome. Synchronous decompression was satisfactory and can be used in similar cases of multiple cystic lesions.

Use of anteromedial thigh perforator flap and immunological implications of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome: a case study

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is mainly characterised by the development of numerous multicentric and relapsing cutaneous basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). A major problem for patients with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is the large amount of BCCs that can invade the deep underlying structures, especially the face. Here, we describe the case of a 23-year-old male affected by Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. He had recurrent BCCs on a hairless scalp and dorsum since he was 17 years old and underwent four surgical procedures to excise BCCs, including a reconstruction with anteromedial thigh perforator flap. For each of the surgical procedures, a phenotypic study on peripheral blood mononuclear cells using flow cytometry was performed on the same day of surgery, and on days 7, 14 and 21 after surgery. The role of the tumour-specific cytolytic immune response as a potential future treatment of syndromic BCCs and its trend in relation to surgical ablation of large portions of tumour tissue was examined, and the cosmetic and therapeutic results are shown.

Neuroimaging of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) in children

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS, Gorlin syndrome) is an autosomal dominant condition with a wide range of manifestations, including multiple basal cell carcinomas, medulloblastoma, odontogenic keratocysts (OKC) and skeletal abnormalities. Children with NBCCS also have a predisposition for secondary cancers after exposure to ionising radiation. In children undergoing imaging for posterior fossa mass and/or maxillofacial cysts, certain additional findings can raise the possibility of NBCCS. Making the diagnosis can significantly impact patient management, especially for children with medulloblastoma.

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome--a medical condition requiring a multidisciplinary approach

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is a rare genetic condition showing a variable expressiveness. It is inherited in a dominant autosomal way. The strongest characteristic of the disease includes multiple basal cell carcinomas, jaw cysts, palmar and plantar pits, skeletal abnormalities and other developmental defects. Owing to the fact that the condition tends to be a multisystemic disorder, familiarity of various medical specialists with its manifestations may reduce the time necessary for providing a diagnosis. It will also enable them to apply adequate methods of treatment and secondary prevention. In this study, we present symptoms of the disease, its diagnostic methods and currently used treatments.

We searched 2 scientific databases: Medline (EBSCO) and Science Direct, for the years 1996 to 2011. In our search of abstracts, key words included nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome and Gorlin-Goltz syndrome.

We examined 287 studies from Medline and 80 from Science Direct, all published in English. Finally, we decided to use 60 papers, including clinical cases and literature reviews.

Patients with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome need particular multidisciplinary medical care. Knowledge of multiple and difficult to diagnose symptoms of the syndrome among professionals of various medical specialties is crucial. The consequences of the disease pose a threat to the health and life of patients. Therefore, an early diagnosis creates an opportunity for effective prevention and treatment of the disorder. Prevention is better than cure.