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Gorlin syndrome

Last edited: 4/22/2026

Overview

Gorlin syndrome, also known as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts, skeletal anomalies, and other congenital malformations 12.

Diagnosis

  • Key Diagnostic Criteria: Basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts, skeletal anomalies (e.g., scoliosis, bifid ribs), palmar/plantar pits, facial dysmorphism, cerebral falx calcification 2.
  • Recommended Tests: Genetic testing for Patched (PTCH) gene mutations 2.
  • Additional Findings: Vascular anomalies, chylothorax, and neurological abnormalities like unilateral arhinencephaly may be present 13.
  • Management

  • First-Line Treatments: Regular dermatologic surveillance for early detection and management of basal cell carcinomas 1.
  • Surgical Interventions: For odontogenic keratocysts and other symptomatic lesions 2.
  • Monitoring: Frequent dental evaluations due to increased risk of odontogenic keratocysts 2.
  • Pulmonary Care: Close monitoring for pulmonary issues, including vascular anomalies and potential metastases 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Prenatal Considerations: Prenatal diagnosis possible, with chylothorax reported as a novel feature 2.
  • Pediatrics: Persistent respiratory issues like pneumonia may require specialized pulmonology care 1.
  • Neurological Monitoring: Regular neurological assessments to detect cerebral anomalies such as unilateral arhinencephaly 3.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Conduct genetic testing for Patched gene mutations in patients with clinical features suggestive of Gorlin syndrome (Evidence: Strong 2).
  • Implement regular dermatologic and dental screenings to manage basal cell carcinomas and odontogenic keratocysts (Evidence: Moderate 2).
  • Monitor for and manage potential vascular anomalies and pulmonary complications, including chylothorax in prenatal cases (Evidence: Moderate 12).
  • References

    1 Kopp BT, Rosen KL, O'Donovan JC, Sheikh S. Cardiac fibroma, anomalous pulmonary venous course, and persistent pneumonia in a patient with Gorlin syndrome. Pediatric pulmonology 2014. link 2 Geneviève D, Walter E, Gorry P, Jacquemont ML, Dupic L, Layet V et al.. Gorlin syndrome presenting as prenatal chylothorax in a girl. Prenatal diagnosis 2005. link 3 Aleksic S, Budzilovich G, Reuben R, Laguna J, Finegold M, McCarthy J et al.. Unilateral arhinencephaly in goldenhar-gorlin syndrome. Developmental medicine and child neurology 1975. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Cardiac fibroma, anomalous pulmonary venous course, and persistent pneumonia in a patient with Gorlin syndrome.Kopp BT, Rosen KL, O'Donovan JC, Sheikh S Pediatric pulmonology (2014)
    2. [2]
      Gorlin syndrome presenting as prenatal chylothorax in a girl.Geneviève D, Walter E, Gorry P, Jacquemont ML, Dupic L, Layet V et al. Prenatal diagnosis (2005)
    3. [3]
      Unilateral arhinencephaly in goldenhar-gorlin syndrome.Aleksic S, Budzilovich G, Reuben R, Laguna J, Finegold M, McCarthy J et al. Developmental medicine and child neurology (1975)

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