Cleft lip and palate, seldom seen features of the Gorlin-Goltz syndrome

An Unusual Case of an Odontogenic Keratocyst Associated With an Ungrafted Alveolar Cleft: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We describe an unusual case of an odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) associated with an ungrafted left-sided alveolar cleft in a 10-year-old male patient. There is no previous report in the literature of OKC or other dental cysts associated with an alveolar cleft. We discuss the management of the OKC prior to secondary bone grafting and present this case to highlight the difficulty in the management of OKC concurrent with grafting of the alveolar cleft site, the proximity of unerupted permanent teeth, and possible treatment modalities.

Clinical Finding and Management of 12 Orofacial Clefts Cases with Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome

Objective

To study the phenotype and overview the clinical management on Cleft Lip and/or Palate (CL/P) with Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS) patients in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology.

Design

Case series study.

Main Outcome Measures

To describe the clinical phenotype of 12 CL/P with NBCCS patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria as well as to explore clinical management.

Results

Seven cases (7/12, 58.33%) were classified as bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (BCCLP). Two cases (2/12, 16.67%) were classified as unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCCLP). Three cases (1/12, 8.33%) were classified as unilateral complete cleft lip (UCCL), submucosa cleft uvula (SCU), and bifid uvula (BU), respectively. The ratio of male/female was 9/3. Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs) were presented in all 12 cases. The most common site was the mandible region (12/12, 100%) followed by the maxilla region (7/12, 58.33%). The diagnostic age of 12 NBCCS with CL/P ranged from 11 to 42 years old (usually postponed to the occurring of KCOTs). The delayed diagnosis of NBCCS can be attributed to its complicated clinical manifestations. In some cases, the mutual effect between the surgical therapy of removing KCOTs and alveolar bone grafting made the team approach (TA) of CL/P more complicated.

Conclusion

CL/P may become important clinical phenotype in NBCCS. The type of cleft varied, with bilateral cleft lip and palate comprising above 50%. Larger sample sizes are needed to study and confirm this result. KCOTs, as one of the most common clinical feature of NBCCS, make the diagnosis delayed and the TA more difficult because of the occurring time and site. This compels us to improve the diagnostic criteria to make an early diagnosis and explore a better therapeutic protocol for CL/P.

"PTCH"-ing it together: a basal cell nevus syndrome review

BACKGROUND

Basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS) has existed at least since Dynastic Egyptian times. In 1960, Gorlin and Goltz first described the classic clinical triad: multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), jaw keratocysts, and bifid ribs. As an autosomal-dominant disorder, it is characterized by tumorigenesis and developmental defects.

OBJECTIVE

To review the current literature on BCNS, including reports on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, management, treatment, and prognosis.

METHODS

A literature review of currently available articles related to BCNS.

RESULTS

Individuals with a mutation in the tumor suppressor gene PTCH1 are predisposed to tumorigenesis and developmental defects. Clinical features include BCCs, often with onset in adolescence, jaw keratocysts, bifid ribs, craniofacial defects, palmar-plantar pits, and ectopic intracranial calcification. Despite high cure rates for individual lesions and various treatment modalities including excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, photodynamic therapy, and topical imiquimod, management of BCCs is challenging. The development of an oral hedgehog pathway inhibitor, vismodegib, has added a new dimension to current treatment algorithms.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents and young adults with BCC should be evaluated for BCNS. Early diagnosis of BCNS is critical for possible prevention of the devastating effects of BCCs and establishment of multidisciplinary care.

Sonic hedgehog signalling inhibits palatogenesis and arrests tooth development in a mouse model of the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is an autosomal dominant or spontaneous disorder characterized by multiple cutaneous basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts, skeletal anomalies and facial dysmorphology, including cleft lip and palate. Causative mutations for NBCCS occur in the PTCH1 gene on chromosome 9q22.3–q31, which encodes the principle receptor for the Hedgehog signalling pathway. We have investigated the molecular basis of craniofacial defects seen in NBCCS using a transgenic mouse model expressing Shh in basal epithelium under a Keratin-14 promoter. These mice have an absence of flat bones within the skull vault, hypertelorism, open-bite malocclusion, cleft palate and arrested tooth development. Significantly, increased Hedgehog signal transduction in these mice can influence cell fate within the craniofacial region. In medial edge epithelium of the palate, Shh activity prevents apoptosis and subsequent palatal shelf fusion. In contrast, high levels of Shh in odontogenic epithelium arrests tooth development at the bud stage, secondary to a lack of cell proliferation in this region. These findings illustrate the importance of appropriately regulated Hedgehog signalling during early craniofacial development and demonstrate that oro-facial clefting and hypodontia seen in NBCCS can occur as a direct consequence of increased Shh signal activity within embryonic epithelial tissues.

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome)

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), also known as Gorlin syndrome, is a hereditary condition characterized by a wide range of developmental abnormalities and a predisposition to neoplasms.

The estimated prevalence varies from 1/57,000 to 1/256,000, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.

Main clinical manifestations include multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), odontogenic keratocysts of the jaws, hyperkeratosis of palms and soles, skeletal abnormalities, intracranial ectopic calcifications, and facial dysmorphism (macrocephaly, cleft lip/palate and severe eye anomalies). Intellectual deficit is present in up to 5% of cases. BCCs (varying clinically from flesh-colored papules to ulcerating plaques and in diameter from 1 to 10 mm) are most commonly located on the face, back and chest. The number of BBCs varies from a few to several thousand. Recurrent jaw cysts occur in 90% of patients. Skeletal abnormalities (affecting the shape of the ribs, vertebral column bones, and the skull) are frequent. Ocular, genitourinary and cardiovascular disorders may occur. About 5–10% of NBCCS patients develop the brain malignancy medulloblastoma, which may be a potential cause of early death.

NBCCS is caused by mutations in the PTCH1 gene and is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait with complete penetrance and variable expressivity.

Clinical diagnosis relies on specific criteria. Gene mutation analysis confirms the diagnosis. Genetic counseling is mandatory. Antenatal diagnosis is feasible by means of ultrasound scans and analysis of DNA extracted from fetal cells (obtained by amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling). Main differential diagnoses include Bazex syndrome, trichoepithelioma papulosum multiplex and Torre's syndrome (Muir-Torre's syndrome).

Management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Keratocysts are treated by surgical removal. Surgery for BBCs is indicated when the number of lesions is limited; other treatments include laser ablation, photodynamic therapy and topical chemotherapy. Radiotherapy should be avoided. Vitamin A analogs may play a preventive role against development of new BCCs.

Life expectancy in NBCCS is not significantly altered but morbidity from complications can be substantial. Regular follow-up by a multi-specialist team (dermatologist, neurologist and odontologist) should be offered. Patients with NBCCS should strictly avoid an excessive sun exposure.

Radiopacity in syndrome keratocystic odontogenic tumour

Dystrophic calcification or radiopacity in syndromatic keratocystic odontogenic tumours is not uncommon although there have not been many reports. A case of dystrophic calcification in the cavity of the cyst of a patient with a syndromatic keratocystic odontogenic tumour was detected on panoramic radiograph and CT. The component of the calculus was analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectrum.

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome: a review of the literature

The nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) or Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder principally characterized by cutaneous basal cell carcinomas, multiple keratocysts, and skeletal anomalies. The present report reviews current knowledge of this disorder that has profound relevance to specialists in Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Oral Medicine and Radiology.

The role of the orthodontist in the diagnosis of Gorlin's syndrome

Gorlin's syndrome is a relatively rare generalized disorder. Its diagnosis in childhood is usually through oral abnormalities. Some of the most frequent clinical features of this syndrome are discovered through radiographs commonly used in orthodontia. Thus, the orthodontist may be able to contribute to its diagnosis. The article shows three clinical cases that illustrate the role that the orthodontist may play in diagnosis of this syndrome.

Examine your orofacial cleft patients for Gorlin-Goltz syndrome

The Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is characterized by four primary symptoms: multiple nevoid basal cell epitheliomas that usually undergo malignant transformation; jaw keratocysts that show constant growth; skeletal anomalies; and intracranial calcifications. A myriad of additional findings may also be noted. Among the most frequent are: palmar and plantar pits, a characteristic flattened facies and broad nasal root, frontal and parietal bossing, mandibular prognathia, hypertelorism, strabismus, dystrophia of the canthi, and clefts of the lip, alveolus, and/or palate. In this study, we review the literature and our 25 cases of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome patients, questioning their incidence of cleft formations (8.5%) as compared to the general population (0.1%). It is our contention that all patients who present with an orofacial cleft warrant deeper investigation as to the presence of additional signs indicative of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. The nevi turn malignant with time, and thus, early diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment are imperative.