Bilateral ovarian fibromas as the sole manifestation of Gorlin syndrome in a 22-year-old woman: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS, Gorlin syndrome) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited disorder that is characterized by multisystem disorder such as basal cell carcinomas, keratocystic odontogenic tumors and skeletal abnormalities. Bilateral and/or unilateral ovarian fibromas have been reported in individuals diagnosed with NBCCS. CASE PRESENTATION: A 22-year-old female, presented with low back pain, and was found to have bilateral giant adnexal masses on pelvic ultrasonography, which had been suspected to be malignant ovarian tumors. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed multiple intracranial calcification and skeletal abnormalities. The left adnexa and right ovarian tumor were resected with laparotomy, and pathology revealed bilateral ovarian fibromas with marked calcification. We recommended the patient to receive genetic testing and dermatological examination. No skin lesion was detected. Germline testing identified pathogenic heterozygous mutation in PTCH1 (Patched1). CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of NBCCS needs to be considered in patients with ovarian fibromas diagnosed in an early age. Skin lesions are not necessary for the diagnosis of NBCCS. Ovarian fibromas are managed with surgical excision with an attempt at preserving ovarian function. Follow-up regime and counseling on options for future fertility should be offered to patients.

Understanding Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (Gorlin Syndrome): A Case Report.

To date, there is no definite effective target therapy or cure for nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS, Gorlin syndrome). Basal cell carcinoma is frequently the far most increased risk of this syndrome, including predisposition to other malignancies. In 2015, an 11-year-old female with a past medical history of sickle cell trait, oral, and unilateral knee abscesses presented with multiple visits for various nodules covering the hands and chest, as well as posterior knee cysts. Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis. The key to treatment and surveillance relies on appropriate recognition, management of atypical presentations, and offering appropriate genetic counseling to families.

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases 7 and 9, Desmin, Alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin and Caldesmon, in Odontogenic Keratocyst Associated with NBCCS, Recurrent and Sporadic Keratocysts.

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) associated odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) show more aggressive behavior and it has a higher frequency of relapse than non-syndromic OKCs. Stromal myofibroblasts (MFs), characterized by α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), desmin and caldesmon expression, and metalloproteinases (MMPs) have an essential role in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The aim of the study is to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-7, MMP-9, αSMA and other new markers in the study of OKCs MFs such as desmin and caldesmon in NBCCS-associated OKCs compared to recurrent and sporadic keratocysts. Fourty 40 patients (23 M and 17 F) underwent surgery to remove the OKCs. The histological sections in paraffin were incubated with markers antibodies and a semi-quantitative score was used to evaluate the immunoreactivity. Densitometric analysis showed a very significantly increased expression of αSMA, caldesmon, MMP-7 and MMP-9 in NBCCS-OKCs compared to non-syndromic OKCs (p < 0.001). However, desmin showed a not significant increased expression in non-syndromic OKC compared to NBCCS-OKCs specimens in which desmin was slightly or not at all expressed. NBCSS-OKCs showed a greater distribution of MFs compared to the other OKCs subtypes. Further studies will be needed to evaluate whether the different expressions of these markers can be correlated to a different clinical behavior.

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome with familial manifestation.

AIMS: The detection of odontogenic keratocysts (OKC) in the oral cavity is one of the main criteria for the clinical manifestation of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome - NBCCS). From a clinical point of view, we distinguish between "syndromic" and "sporadic" OKC. Syndromic cysts, often multifocal, may be an accidental finding on X-ray examination. They can manifest gradually depending on the development of permanent dentition. Sporadic cysts are rather solitary lesions with clinical manifestation in adulthood. METHODS: Mutations in the PTCH1 gene are thought to be the cause of the clinical manifestation of NBCCS. These abnormalities can be transmitted from one generation to another and lead to a familial occurrence of the disease. In 35-50% of cases, these are a newly arising mutations. It is necessary to take into account the typical manifestations which in the next generation begin at a younger age and the disease usually has a more serious course. RESULTS: We found a familial manifestation of NBCCS in two pairs of patients (mother and daughter and two siblings). Odontogenic keratocysts and cutaneous basal cell carcinomas were diagnosed and genetic testing revealed mutations in the PTCH 1 gene in all four individuals. CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the possibility of familial occurrence of NBCCS, it is necessary to pay increased attention to family history and, if necessary, to ensure clinical and genetic examination of parents and other family members. Patients of childbearing potential with evidence of NBCCS should be informed of the increased likelihood of the disease in the offspring.

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.

PTCH2 is not a strong candidate gene for gorlin syndrome predisposition.

A number of case/family reports have proposed PTCH2 as a putative Gorlin Syndrome (GS) gene, but evidence to support this is lacking. We assessed our cohort of 21 PTCH1/SUFU negative GS families for PTCH2 variants and assessed current evidence from reported cases/families and population data. In our PTCH1/SUFU variant negative GS cohort (25% of total), no pathogenic or likely pathogenic PTCH2 variants were identified. In addition, none of the previously published PTCH2 variants in GS families/cases could be considered pathogenic or likely pathogenic using current guidelines. The absence of clear pathogenic variants in GS families and the high frequency of Loss-of-function (LoF) variants in the general population, including the presence of homozygous LoF variants without a clinical phenotype, mean that it is untenable that PTCH2 is a GS gene. PTCH2 should not be included in panels for genetic diagnosis of GS.

Imaging features of uterine and ovarian fibromatosis in Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome.

Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome also known as Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder. It is characterized by basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts, skeletal abnormalities and in a minority of female patients bilateral calcified ovarian fibromas. It is challenging to radiologically assess ovarian fibromas as they have similar imaging patterns to some malignant ovarian lesions. However, it is vitally important to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions to determine patients' suitability for fertility-sparing surgery. This report describes a case of a 25 year-old patient with Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome and bilateral ovarian fibromas.

Cohort study of Gorlin syndrome with emphasis on standardised phenotyping and quality of life assessment.

BACKGROUND: Gorlin syndrome (nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome) is a rare genetic predisposition to basal cell carcinomas (BCC), keratocysts of the jaw and calcification of the falx cerebri among other clinical features. With the advent of sonic hedgehog inhibitors for the treatment of BCC, it is timely to establish a cohort of individuals with Gorlin syndrome and collect standardised phenotypic information on these individuals. Moreover, the health-related quality of life (QoL) in individuals with Gorlin syndrome is not well studied. AIM: To establish a Victorian cohort of Gorlin syndrome and study the QoL in these individuals. METHODS: Phenotypic data were obtained by reviewing medical records of individuals attending two major tertiary/quaternary genetic referral centres in Victoria, followed by telephone or face-to-face interviews where possible. QoL information was obtained utilising the AQoL-6D quality of life survey form. RESULTS: The median number of BCC in the 19 individuals studied was 17.5 (interquartile range 3-70). The number of patients with ≥100 BCC in this group was similar to a previously described national cohort (22.2 vs 27% respectively). A total of 58% of referrals to the genetics clinics originated from maxillofacial surgeons and 42% from dermatologists. Individuals with ≥100 BCC had worse median QoL scores compared to those with <100 BCC (36 vs 29, P-value of 0.031). CONCLUSION: The clinical features in our cohort were congruent with those previously described in Australia. The QoL is adversely correlated with increased BCC burden.

Carcinoma escamocelular de labio superior en paciente con síndrome nevoide basocelular. Reporte de caso clínico / Upper-Lip Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Patients with Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome. A Clinical Case Report

Antecedentes: El síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz, o síndrome nevoide de células básales (SNCB), es un trastorno autosómico dominante de baja incidencia. Su etiología se relaciona con una mutación en el gen PTCH y afecta los sistemas esquelético, oftalmológico y neurológico. Su prevalencia es de 1:60.000 y las mutaciones de novo se presentan aproximadamente en un 20 % a 30 % de los casos. Objetivo: Describir el proceso diagnóstico y manejo de un caso de esporádica presentación de una paciente con SNCB con carcinoma escamocelular (CEC) en labio superior. Descripción del caso: Se trató de una mujer de 58 años, quien asistió a consulta odontológica por motivos estéticos y funcionales. Se encontró un CEC (confirmado por inmunohistoquímica) asintomático delimitado en el lado izquierdo del labio superior, con erosiones de color rojizo y costra. No se encontraron linfoadenopatías asociadas. También evidenció fisuras palmoplantares y múltiples carcinomas basocelulares en la espalda y el dorso de la mano izquierda (con antecedentes familiares similares). Radiográficamente, no se observaron queratoquistes mandibulares que usualmente se asocian con el síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz. Conclusiones: Se diagnosticó SNCB en la paciente, pues presentaba dos criterios mayores (dos o más CBC y piqueteado palmoplantar) y dos menores (calcificación laminar de la hoz del cerebro y antecedente de fibromas ováricos). El tratamiento odontológico se planeó y se remitió a la paciente a la institución pertinente para manejar su condición sistémica.

Background: Gorlin-Goltz syndrome or nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is an autosomal dominant disorder with low incidence. The etiology' is associated with a PTCH gene mutation and affects the skeletal, ophthalmic and neurological systems. The prevalence is 1:60,000 and de novo mutations occur approximately in 20% to 30% of the cases. Objective: To describe the diagnosis and management process for a rare case of a NBCCS patient who developed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the upper lip. Case Description: The patient is a 58 year-old woman who attended to the dental office for aesthetic and functional reasons. An asymptomatic SCC was found (confirmed after immunohistochemical evidence) with defined limits to the left of the upper lip. It showed reddish erosions and some scab. No associated lymphadenopathies were found. The patient had some plantar foot fissures and multiple carcinoma basal cells in the back and in the left hand dorsum (with similar family previous cases). No maxillary keratocyst were observed in the radiographs, notwithstanding they are always associated with the Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. Conclusions: The patient was diagnosed with NBCCS based on two main criteria (two or more SCC lesions and plantar foot fissures) and two mild criteria (laminar calcification in the cerebral falx and family background of ovarian fibromas). A dental treatment was designed, and the patient was referred to another institution for a systemic treatment of her disease.

Wall paintings facies and their possible genetic correlates in the ancient Pompeii: A bio-anthropologic message from the past?

The figurative arts and precisely the ancient Pompeian wall paintings portraits can provide an additional source of information in supplementing bio-anthropological studies. There are several genetic diseases with a wide spectrum of congenital bone stigmata in association to distinctive facial features. Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, also named nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by unusual skeletal changes, such as macrocephaly, facial asymmetry, hypertelorism, frontal and parietal bossing caused by germline mutations of the gene PTCH1. The Gorlin syndrome, clinically defined in 1963, existed during Dynastic Egyptian times, as revealed by a spectrum of skeletal findings compatible with the syndrome in mummies dating back to three thousand years ago and, most likely, in the ancient population of Pompeii. In the present research, we discuss the potential relationship between Pompeian wall paintings portrait and the cranio-metric bone changes revealed among the Pompeian skull collections assuming that the ancient portraits can constitute an important tool that should be strictly integrated with osteologic and biomolecular data in order to argue a syndromic diagnosis in ancient population.

Heterozygous PTCH1 Mutations Impact the Bone Metabolism in Patients With Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome Likely by Regulating SPARC Expression.

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by bone and skin abnormalities and a predisposition to various tumors. Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs), which are common tumors of the jaw that cause extensive damage to the jawbone, are usually accompanied with NBCCS. Germline PTCH1 mutations in NBCCS tumorigenesis have been frequently studied; however, little is known regarding the pathogenesis of bone abnormalities in this disease. This study sought to investigate the mechanism underlying heterozygous PTCH1 mutation-mediated abnormal bone metabolism in patients with NBCCS. Stromal cells were isolated from the fibrous capsules of patients with NBCCS-associated or non-syndromic keratocystic odontogenic tumors and non-syndromic tumor stromal cells without PTCH1 mutations served as controls. Germline PTCH1 heterozygous mutations were confirmed in all NBCCS samples and differential protein expression was identified using tandem mass tag-labeled proteomics analysis. Our findings revealed that osteonectin/SPARC expression was significantly downregulated in syndromic stromal cells compared with non-syndromic stromal cells. SPARC expression was even lower in stromal cells carrying PTCH1 protein truncation mutations. PTCH1 siRNA transfection demonstrated that SPARC downregulation correlates with decreased PTCH1 expression. Furthermore, exogenous SPARC promoted osteogenic differentiation of syndromic stromal cells with enhanced development of calcium nodules. In addition, bone mineral density tests showed that patients with NBCCS exhibit weak bone mass compared with sex- and age-matched controls. This study indicates that germline PTCH1 heterozygous mutations play a major role in bone metabolism in patients with NBCCS, in particular in those with PTCH1 protein truncation mutations. SPARC may represent an important downstream modulator of PTCH1 mediation of bone metabolism. Thus, bone mineral density monitoring is critical for patients with NBCCS for prevention of osteoporosis. In addition, surgical procedures on syndromic-associated KCOTs should be performed with consideration of the weaker bone mass in such patients. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Skeletal stigmata as keys to access to the composite and ancient Gorlin-Goltz syndrome history: The Egypt, Pompeii and Herculaneum lessons.

There are several genetic diseases with a wide spectrum of congenital bone stigmata in association to cutaneous and visceral benign and malignant neoplasms. Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, also named nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, is an autosomal dominant systemic disease with almost complete penetrance and high intra-familial phenotypic variability, caused by germline mutations of the gene PTCH1. The syndrome is characterized by unusual skeletal changes and high predisposition to the development of multiple basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts tumors and other visceral tumors. The Gorlin syndrome, clinically defined as distinct syndrome in 1963, existed during Dynastic Egyptian times, as revealed by a costellation of skeletal findings compatible with the syndrome in mummies dating back to 3000years ago and, most likely, in the ancient population of Pompeii. These paleogenetic and historical evidences, together with the clinical and biomolecular modern evidences, confirm the quite benign behavior of the syndrome and the critical value of the multiple and synchronous skeletal anomalies in the recognition of these rare and complex genetic disease.

Shh and p50/Bcl3 signaling crosstalk drives pathogenesis of BCCs in Gorlin syndrome.

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder that is due, in large measure, to aberrant Shh signaling driven by mutations in the tumor suppressor gene Ptch1. Here, we describe the development of Ptch1+/-/ SKH-1 mice as a novel model of this disease. These animals manifest many features of NBCCS, including developmental anomalies and are remarkably sensitive to both ultraviolet (UVB) and ionizing radiation that drive the development of multiple BCCs. Just as in patients with NBCCS, Ptch1+/-/SKH-1 also spontaneously develops BCCs and other neoplasms such as rhabdomyomas/rhabdomyosarcomas. Administration of smoothened inhibitors (vismodegib/itraconazole/cyclopamine) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (sulindac/sulfasalazine) each result in partial resolution of BCCs in these animals. However, combined administration of these agents inhibits the growth of UVB-induced BCCs by >90%. Employing small molecule- and decoy-peptide-based approaches we further affirm that complete remission of BCCs could only be achieved by combined inhibition of p50-NFκB/Bcl3 and Shh signaling. We posit that Ptch1+/-/SKH-1 mice are a novel and relevant animal model for NBCCS. Understanding mechanisms that govern genetic predisposition to BCCs should facilitate our ability to identify and treat NBCCS gene carriers, including those at risk for sporadic BCCs while accelerating development of novel therapeutic modalities for these patients.

Differential expression of TLR3 and TLR4 in keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT): A comparative immunohistochemical study in primary, recurrent, and nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS)--associated lesions.

BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an essential role in the activation of innate immunity and they can promote cancer cell survival and tumor progression. It has been claimed that TLRs can somehow predict the clinical behavior in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCCs). AIM: To elucidate the molecular basis underlying keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KOCTs) aggressive behavior and recurrence we carried out this immunohistochemical study on TLR3 and TLR4 expression in sporadic primary KCOTs (sp-KCOTs), sporadic recurrent KCOTs (sp-KCOTs), and NBCCS-associated KCOTs (NBCCS-KCOTs). METHOD: 40 cases of KOCTs removed from 23 men and 17 women were the sample. Paraffin-embedded blocks were processed for immunohistochemistry. Sections were incubated with TLR3 and TLR4 antibodies and immunoreactivity evaluated on a semi-quantitative score. RESULTS: Both TLR3 and TLR4 were expressed in KCOTs epithelium, although with a different extent. TLR3 was not expressed in sp-KCOTs and sr-KCOTs, but it showed a faint staining in NBCCS-KCOTs. On the other hand, both cytoplasmic and nuclear staining for TLR4 was detected in all the 3 types of lesions; however being significantly more expressed in sr-KCOT and NBCCS-KCOTs (p < 0.0001). Our results, demonstrated an association between TLR4, but not TLR3 expression to recurrence behavior of KCOTs. In fact, TLR4 was up-regulated in sr-KCOTs and NBCCS-KCOTs but not in sp-KCOTs. CONCLUSIONS: According these findings it seems conceivable to assume that the up-regulation of TLR4 in some KCOTs can be correlated somehow to their tendency recurrence.

Nevoid Basal cell carcinoma syndrome: a case report and review.

Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, a rare autosomal dominant disorder, comprises of a number of abnormalities such as multiple nevoid basal cell carcinomas, skeletal abnormalities and multiple keratocystic odontogenic tumors. Diagnosis may be difficult because of the variability of expressivity and different ages of onset for different traits of this disorder. The dental clinician may be the first to encounter and identify this syndrome, when the multiple cysts like radiolucencies are discovered on panoramic view. This article reports a case of Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome and provides an overview on diagnosis and management.

Multiple tumor types including leiomyoma and Wilms tumor in a patient with Gorlin syndrome due to 9q22.3 microdeletion encompassing the PTCH1 and FANC-C loci.

Gorlin syndrome or nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is an autosomal dominant condition mainly characterized by the development of mandibular keratocysts which often have their onset during the second decade of life and/or multiple basal cell carcinoma (BCC) normally arising during the third decade. Cardiac and ovarian fibromas can be found. Patients with NBCCS develop the childhood brain malignancy medulloblastoma (now often called primitive neuro-ectodermal tumor [PNET]) in 5% of cases. The risk of other malignant neoplasms is not clearly increased, although lymphoma and meningioma can occur in this condition. Wilms tumor has been mentioned in the literature four times. We describe a patient with a 10.9 Mb 9q22.3 deletion spanning 9q22.2 through 9q31.1 that includes the entire codifying sequence of the gene PTCH1, with Wilms tumor, multiple neoplasms (lung, liver, mesenteric, gastric and renal leiomyomas, lung typical carcinoid tumor, adenomatoid tumor of the pleura) and a severe clinical presentation. We propose including leiomyomas among minor criteria of the NBCCS.

Variable expression of Gorlin syndrome may reflect complexity of the signalling pathway.

Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS) or Gorlin syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by cancer predisposition and multiple developmental defects. Syndrome related disorders have been attributed to alterations of PTCH gene, which plays an important role in Shh signalling pathway. Unresolved complexities of the pathway impede understanding of mechanisms through which PTCH alterations lead to variable phenotype expression in Gorlin syndrome patients, while the role of chromosomal instability is not yet clear. To increase our understanding of NBCCS, every manifestation of the syndrome and associated genetic damage should be seriously considered. Therefore, several atypical NBCCS cases are presented in this paper.