Continuing Education Activity

Gorlin syndrome, also known as Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, basal cell nevus syndrome, or nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, is an autosomal dominant familial cancer syndrome characterized by multiple basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts, and a range of skeletal, ophthalmologic, and neurologic abnormalities that often emerge during childhood. This course reviews the genetic basis, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based management strategies essential for early recognition and longitudinal care of affected individuals. Participants learn to identify hallmark manifestations, differentiate Gorlin syndrome from related hereditary cancer syndromes, and implement appropriate surveillance for associated neoplasms and systemic complications. Emphasis is placed on timely diagnosis, risk stratification, and individualized treatment planning to reduce morbidity and improve quality of life. Collaboration among dermatology clinicians, genetics specialists, oncology clinicians, radiology professionals, dental specialists, and other interprofessional team members enhances diagnostic accuracy, coordinates surveillance efforts, and supports comprehensive management, ultimately improving patient outcomes through early intervention and continuity of care.

Objectives:

• Apply evidence-based diagnostic criteria and surveillance strategies to optimize early recognition and longitudinal management of Gorlin syndrome across diverse clinical presentations.
• Differentiate hallmark manifestations of Gorlin syndrome, including dermatologic, skeletal, odontogenic, ophthalmologic, and neurologic abnormalities.
• Implement multidisciplinary surveillance protocols to monitor for neoplastic progression and associated systemic complications.
• Develop coordinated communication strategies among dermatology clinicians, genetics specialists, oncology clinicians, dental professionals, and other interprofessional healthcare team members to improve care integration and patient outcomes.

Introduction

Gorlin syndrome, also called Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS), or nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, is an autosomal dominant familial cancer syndrome. This condition is characterized by numerous basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and skeletal, ophthalmologic, and neurologic abnormalities. Multiple neoplasms arise beginning in childhood.[1][2][3][4]

Etiology

BCNS is caused by mutations in the patched (PTCH) gene, which encodes a transmembrane receptor that recognizes Sonic hedgehog signaling proteins. There is near complete penetrance with variable expressivity. De novo mutations account for approximately 20% to 30% of BCNS cases.

Epidemiology

The prevalence of Gorlin syndrome is estimated at 1 per 40,000 to 60,000 individuals. The disease affects men and women in rather equal distribution (1:1.3). Although the disease affects all races, Black and Asian individuals represent only 5% of cases and more often are incidentally diagnosed with extracutaneous findings, such as odontogenic keratocysts, as compared to BCCs.

Pathophysiology

Gorlin syndrome is caused by a mutation in the patched 1 (PTCH1) tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 9q. PTCH encodes a transmembrane receptor protein that recognizes signaling proteins of the Sonic hedgehog family. Homozygous inactivation of the PTCH gene leads to tumorigenesis and the formation of multiple BCCs and other neoplasms. Patients with Gorlin syndrome inherit one defective copy of the tumor suppressor gene and acquire a "second hit" mutation, such as from ultraviolet light or ionizing radiation.

Recently, mutations in the suppressor of fused (SUFU) gene on chromosome 10q and in PTCH2 on chromosome 1p have been found in patients meeting the criteria for Gorlin syndrome. Of note, patients with SUFU mutations have a reported 20-fold increased risk of developing medulloblastoma as compared to PTCH1 mutations in Gorlin syndrome.[5][6][7] Patients with one mutated copy of the PTCH1 gene in each cell can have the features of Gorlin syndrome early in life. This includes skeletal abnormalities and macrocephaly. A mutation in the second copy of the PTCH1 gene must also occur in certain cells during the person's lifetime for basal cell carcinomas and other tumors to develop. Patients with one PTCH1 gene mutation eventually acquire a second mutation in some cells, leading to various types of tumors.

History and Physical

Patients with Gorlin syndrome can present as early as infancy with BCCs; however, the median age of developing BCCs is 20 years. Multiple BCCs are the hallmark of Gorlin syndrome, and they may present as classic translucent papules with telangiectasias or resemble acrochordons (skin tags). Superficial pits on the palms and soles occur in 75% to 90% of patients. Epidermal inclusion cysts and milia are reported in approximately 50% of cases.

Pain, swelling, and drainage from jaw cysts (odontogenic keratocysts) may be the initial reason for presentation, with an average age at presentation of 13 years. Rare reports of malignant transformation of jaw cysts have been reported. Medulloblastoma is the second most common malignancy in BCNS, occurring at an average age of 2 years and accounting for approximately 5% of cases.  

Patients may experience seizures, intellectual disability, and other neurologic abnormalities. Musculoskeletal anomalies are very common, occurring in 60% to 75% of patients and often are congenital. Bifid or splayed ribs, frontal bossing, cleft lip/palate, vertebral fusion, pectus excavatum, syndactyly, and hypoplastic thumbs are some potential musculoskeletal anomalies. Ophthalmologic abnormalities such as hypertelorism, congenital blindness, cataracts, strabismus, and colobomas of the retina or iris may occur. Profound bradycardia from cardiac fibromas can occur during general anesthesia.

Evaluation

Diagnosis of BCNS requires the presence of 2 major or 1 major and 2 minor clinical criteria:

• Major criteria include: Multiple (>2) BCCs or 1 BCC by ≤20 years of age, odontogenic keratocysts of the jaw proven by histology, palmar or plantar pitting, bilamellar calcification of the falx cerebri, bifid/fused/splayed ribs, first-degree relative with BCNS.
• Minor criteria include: Medulloblastoma, increased circumference of the head, congenital malformations (frontal bossing, coarse facies, cleft lip/palate, moderate or severe hypertelorism), other skeletal abnormalities (Sprengel deformity, marked pectus deformity, marked syndactyly of the digits), radiologic abnormalities (bridging of the sella turcica, hemivertebrae, fusion or elongation of the vertebral bodies, modeling defects of the hands and feet, or flame-shaped lucencies of the hands or feet), ovarian and cardiac fibromas. 

Genetic testing for PTCH1 is suggested for the following situations: (1) diagnosis confirmation in patients lacking sufficient clinical diagnostic criteria; (2) predictive testing for patients at risk with an affected family member but not meeting clinical criteria; and (3) prenatal testing if there is a known familial mutation. 

Treatment / Management

A multidisciplinary approach is required to manage patients with Gorlin syndrome. Close surveillance by a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon is required to diagnose and treat BCCs, as rare metastasis has occurred in these patients. Pediatric individuals should have an annual skin screening by a dermatologist until the first BCC is detected, then undergo screening at least every 6 months. Adults should have a complete skin check at least every 4 months.[8][9][10][11]

Numerous baseline examinations are recommended in young patients. Given the risk of medulloblastoma in pediatric individuals, a baseline MRI scan of the brain (repeated yearly until 8 years of age, then discontinue) is recommended. Baseline jaw x-rays as soon as tolerated, then repeated annually until the first jaw cyst, and every 6 months thereafter until no jaw cysts for 2 years or until the patient is 21 years of age. Baseline spine x-rays at 1 year of age and repeat if symptomatic or per scoliosis protocol every 6 months if abnormal.

Baseline cardiac ultrasound is recommended in pediatric patients to evaluate for cardiac fibromas. Girls should have a pelvic ultrasound at menarche or age 18 to evaluate for ovarian fibromas. Annual speech, vision, and hearing screening, along with routine developmental screening, should be performed in pediatric patients with Gorlin syndrome.

Patients with Gorlin syndrome not diagnosed in childhood should have a baseline MRI scan of the brain, genetic counseling, and possibly a psychological evaluation if needed. Jaw x-rays should be repeated as needed for symptoms, and an annual neurology evaluation should occur in patients with a history of medulloblastoma. Pregnant individuals should undergo a maternal fetal medical evaluation given the risk for hydrocephalus, microcephaly, and cardiac fibromas.

Treatment of BCCs in Gorlin syndrome is challenging, given the number of neoplasms. Electrodesiccation and curettage, cryosurgery, surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), and MMS combined with CO2 laser treatment have all been reported. Topical treatment options include 5% 5-fluorouracil, 5% imiquimod, or photodynamic therapy. Vismodegib, an antagonist of the smoothened receptor and a hedgehog pathway inhibitor, can be used to treat BCCs in BCNS; however, adverse effects can be limiting, and BCCs may regrow after cessation of vismodegib.

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis for Gorlin syndrome includes the following:

• Bazex syndrome
• Fibrous papule of the face
• Melanocytic nevi
• Milia
• Pseudohypoparathyroidism
• Rombo syndrome
• Seborrheic keratosis
• Unilateral nevoid BCC with comedones

Pearls and Other Issues

Increased risk of BCCs is also found in 2 rare genetic disorders, Bazex-Dupré-Christol syndrome and Rombo syndrome, which have some phenotypic overlap with Gorlin syndrome.

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

An interprofessional approach is required to care for patients with Gorlin syndrome. Close surveillance by a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon is required to diagnose and treat BCCs, as rare metastasis has occurred in these patients. Pediatric individuals should have an annual skin screening by a dermatologist until the first BCC is detected, then undergo screening at least every 6 months.

Adults should have a complete skin check at least every 4 months. The primary care clinician should closely monitor patients with Gorlin syndrome and refer them to a dermatologist if any new skin changes appear. Because of the rarity of the syndrome, there are no large clinical trials on the optimal care of these patients.

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References

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Disclosure: Alison Spiker declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Todd Troxell declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Michael Ramsey declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.