Gorlin Syndrome 101
In my latest article, I mentioned that among the causes of basal cell carcinoma is a disorder called Gorlin syndrome. In this article, I will explain what Gorlin syndrome is and how it can be treated. Gorlin syndrome, also known as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, and is a rare, autosomal (affecting the non-sex chromosomes) dominant condition (meaning only one parent needs to have it for their children to have it). It can cause the early onset of basal cell carcinoma in addition to several other forms of skin cancer, including melanoma, medulloblatoma, meningioma, and several others (1). Gorlin syndrome is estimated to affect one in every 50,000 to 100,000 people (1).
What causes Gorlin syndrome? Gorlin syndrome results from an abnormality of the PTCH1 gene on chromosome 9q22.3-q31 (1). The PTCH1 gene produces protein patched homolog 1, a receptor for sonic hedgehog (I am not making this up, the hedgehog signaling pathway is responsible for embryonic development. That was surprising to learn in biology class). The sonic hedgehog molecule functions as a tumor suppressor. Mutations producing a faulty PTCH1 gene disrupt this process, and can allow tumor growth.
Diagnosis of the Gorlin syndrome is based on examination of several criteria. Major criteria are: the development of multiple basal cell carcinomas at any age, multiple palmar or plantar pits (skin lesions), a family history of Gorlin syndrome, polyostotic bone cysts, odontogenic keratocysts, calcification of the falx cerbri and ectopic calfication (1). In addition to these major criteria, there are several minor ones: the presence of cardiac or ovarian fibroma (benign tumors in the heart or ovaries respectively), medulloblastoma, lymphomesenteric cysts, congenital skeletal defects, a large head with occipitofrontal circumference and congenital malformation (1). The presence of these varied tumors and growths are not always indicative, but expressing at least two major criteria and a minor is generally an indication of Gorlin syndrome (2).
Fortunately, there are methods to manage Gorlin syndrome.
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Hi Chris, I am not really sure about the purpose of this page but I do appreciate your causing awareness to this rare disorder. Your description is a bit extreme for GS patients as they do not require Chemotherapy to manage the disorder. There are Chemopreventitive measures that can be used successfully for patients with an advanced or extreme case of GS but the vast majority will not require Chemotherapy for the syndrome in their lifetime.
Regards,
Bud Caruso
April 4, 2010 - 5:31pmThis Comment
There are also non-profit organizations dedicated to helping people with Gorlin Syndrome. You can find the BCCNS Life Support Network at www.gorlinsyndrome.org or the Gorlin Syndrome Support Group at www.gorlingroup.org - both are dedicated to helping people with Gorlin Syndrome improve their lives and manage their disorder.
July 27, 2010 - 12:15pm