Alternative Names
Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome; BCNS; Gorlin-Goltz syndrome; NBCCS; Gorlin syndrome
Symptoms & Characteristics
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (also known as Gorlin syndrome) is a condition that affects many areas of the body and increases the risk of developing various tumors.
The type of cancer diagnosed most often in people with Gorlin syndrome is basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common form of skin cancer. Individuals with Gorlin syndrome typically begin to develop basal cell carcinomas during adolescence or early adulthood. These cancers occur most often on the face, chest, and back. The number of basal cell carcinomas that develop during a person's lifetime varies among affected individuals. Some people with Gorlin syndrome never develop any basal cell carcinomas, while others may develop thousands of these cancers. Individuals with lighter skin are more likely to develop basal cell carcinomas than are people with darker skin.
Most people with Gorlin syndrome also develop noncancerous (benign) tumors of the jaw, called keratocystic odontogenic tumors. These tumors usually begin to form during adolescence and often recur until about age 30. The keratocystic odontogenic tumors may cause facial swelling and tooth displacement.
Individuals with Gorlin syndrome have a higher risk of developing other tumors than the general population. Some affected individuals develop a brain tumor called medulloblastoma during childhood. A type of benign tumor called a fibroma can occur in the heart or in a woman's ovaries. Heart (cardiac) fibromas often do not cause any symptoms, but they may obstruct blood flow or cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). Ovarian fibromas are not thought to affect a woman's ability to have children (fertility).
Other features of Gorlin syndrome include skin pits in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; large head size; and skeletal abnormalities involving the spine, ribs, or skull.
Treatment
Early diagnosis, routine surveillance and treatment of Gorlin syndrome may help to manage some of the symptoms and sometimes prevent related problems.
How Common Is It?
The prevalence of Gorlin syndrome is estimated to be 1 in 57,000 people. While more than 1 million new cases of basal cell carcinoma are diagnosed each year in the United States, fewer than 1% are related to Gorlin syndrome.
Genetics & Inheritance
Mutations in the PTCH1 gene cause Gorlin syndrome.
Gorlin syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the features that are present from birth, such as large head size and skeletal abnormalities. An affected person often inherits a PTCH1 mutation from one affected parent. Other cases may result from new mutations in the gene. These cases occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family. For tumors to develop, a mutation in the other copy of the PTCH1 gene must occur in certain cells during the person's lifetime. Most people who are born with one PTCH1 mutation eventually acquire a second mutation in certain cells and develop basal cell carcinomas and other tumors.
Genetic Testing
Cancer predisposition testing for Gorlin syndrome may be available through an in person genetic consultation for people who are considered at risk.
The decision to have genetic testing is personal and should always be discussed with trained medical professional. Use our find a genetic professional directory to locate a trained genetic professional in your area.
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