Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome): a case report

Abstract Background Basal cell nevus syndrome, also known as Gorlin or Gorlin–Goltz syndrome, is a hereditary condition caused by mutation in the PATCHED gene. The syndrome presents with a wide range of clinical manifestations, including basal cell carcinomas, jaw cysts, and skeletal anomalies. Diag...

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Main Authors: Noura Abdul Rahman, Fatima Breim, Joud Zakour, Zainab Srouji, Silva Ishkhanian
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Medical Case Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05036-1
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author Noura Abdul Rahman
Fatima Breim
Joud Zakour
Zainab Srouji
Silva Ishkhanian
author_facet Noura Abdul Rahman
Fatima Breim
Joud Zakour
Zainab Srouji
Silva Ishkhanian
author_sort Noura Abdul Rahman
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Basal cell nevus syndrome, also known as Gorlin or Gorlin–Goltz syndrome, is a hereditary condition caused by mutation in the PATCHED gene. The syndrome presents with a wide range of clinical manifestations, including basal cell carcinomas, jaw cysts, and skeletal anomalies. Diagnosis is based on specific criteria, and treatment typically includes surgical removal of basal cell carcinomas. Case presentation A 36-year-old Middle Eastern man presented with multiple pigmented ulcerated lesions on his face, scalp, and trunk, consistent with basal cell carcinomas. A history of a previous jaw cyst excision and characteristic physical examination findings led to the diagnosis of Gorlin–Goltz syndrome. Treatment included surgical excision of high-risk lesions and intralesional 5-fluorouracil injections for superficial lesions. The patient showed positive responses to the treatment, with most lesions healing completely and others showing ongoing improvement. Minimal side effects were observed, highlighting the potential efficacy of this novel approach in managing basal cell carcinomas associated with Gorlin–Goltz syndrome. Conclusion Gorlin syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by various clinical manifestations, with basal cell carcinomas being a prominent feature. Diagnosis is based on specific major and minor criteria, and a multidisciplinary approach is crucial for effective management. Basal cell carcinomas in Gorlin syndrome tend to occur more commonly in sun-exposed areas, necessitating sun protection. Treatment options include surgical excision, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and topical chemotherapeutics, based on lesions characteristics. This case report describes a novel approach to treating multiple basal cell carcinomas associated with basal cell nevus syndrome using intralesional 5-fluorouracil injections. The observed side effects were minimal, demonstrating the potential efficacy of this treatment modality.
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spelling doaj-art-2433d0f3029f4a83afd94fa3f54eaefb2025-01-26T12:35:27ZengBMCJournal of Medical Case Reports1752-19472025-01-011911710.1186/s13256-025-05036-1Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome): a case reportNoura Abdul Rahman0Fatima Breim1Joud Zakour2Zainab Srouji3Silva Ishkhanian4Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, University of AleppoFaculty of Medicine, University of AleppoDepartment of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, University of AleppoFaculty of Medicine, University of AleppoDepartment of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, University of AleppoAbstract Background Basal cell nevus syndrome, also known as Gorlin or Gorlin–Goltz syndrome, is a hereditary condition caused by mutation in the PATCHED gene. The syndrome presents with a wide range of clinical manifestations, including basal cell carcinomas, jaw cysts, and skeletal anomalies. Diagnosis is based on specific criteria, and treatment typically includes surgical removal of basal cell carcinomas. Case presentation A 36-year-old Middle Eastern man presented with multiple pigmented ulcerated lesions on his face, scalp, and trunk, consistent with basal cell carcinomas. A history of a previous jaw cyst excision and characteristic physical examination findings led to the diagnosis of Gorlin–Goltz syndrome. Treatment included surgical excision of high-risk lesions and intralesional 5-fluorouracil injections for superficial lesions. The patient showed positive responses to the treatment, with most lesions healing completely and others showing ongoing improvement. Minimal side effects were observed, highlighting the potential efficacy of this novel approach in managing basal cell carcinomas associated with Gorlin–Goltz syndrome. Conclusion Gorlin syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by various clinical manifestations, with basal cell carcinomas being a prominent feature. Diagnosis is based on specific major and minor criteria, and a multidisciplinary approach is crucial for effective management. Basal cell carcinomas in Gorlin syndrome tend to occur more commonly in sun-exposed areas, necessitating sun protection. Treatment options include surgical excision, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and topical chemotherapeutics, based on lesions characteristics. This case report describes a novel approach to treating multiple basal cell carcinomas associated with basal cell nevus syndrome using intralesional 5-fluorouracil injections. The observed side effects were minimal, demonstrating the potential efficacy of this treatment modality.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05036-1Basal cell nevus syndromeCarcinoma basal cellFluorouracil
spellingShingle Noura Abdul Rahman
Fatima Breim
Joud Zakour
Zainab Srouji
Silva Ishkhanian
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome): a case report
Journal of Medical Case Reports
Basal cell nevus syndrome
Carcinoma basal cell
Fluorouracil
title Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome): a case report
title_full Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome): a case report
title_fullStr Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome): a case report
title_full_unstemmed Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome): a case report
title_short Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin syndrome): a case report
title_sort nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome gorlin syndrome a case report
topic Basal cell nevus syndrome
Carcinoma basal cell
Fluorouracil
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05036-1
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