Gorlin-Goltz syndrome presenting with multiple basal cell carcinomas and odontogenic keratocysts: a case report

Authors

  • Shatanik Bhattacharya Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Prafulla Chandra Sen Government Medical College, Arambagh, Hoogly, West Bengal, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20261936

Keywords:

Gorlin syndrome, NBCCS, Basal cell carcinoma, Odontogenic keratocyst, CBCT

Abstract

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, also known as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts, skeletal anomalies, and intracranial calcifications. It results from mutations in the PTCH1 gene, leading to dysregulation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Early diagnosis is crucial due to its multisystem involvement and potential for malignancy. We report a case of a 45-year-old male presenting with multiple facial lesions of long duration associated with jaw swelling and palmar pits. Radiological evaluation including CBCT revealed multiple well-defined radiolucencies involving the maxilla and mandible along with bifid ribs and calcification of the falx cerebri. Histopathological examination confirmed basal cell carcinoma and odontogenic keratocysts. Based on clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings, a diagnosis of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome was established. The patient was managed with a multidisciplinary approach including dermatological and surgical interventions with satisfactory outcome on follow-up. This case highlights the importance of early recognition, multidisciplinary management, and long-term surveillance in preventing complications associated with this syndrome.

References

Lo Muzio L. Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2008;3:32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1750-1172-3-32

Gorlin RJ, Goltz RW. Multiple nevoid basal-cell epithelioma. N Engl J Med. 1960;262:908-12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM196005052621803

Hahn H, Wicking C, Zaphiropoulous PG, Gailani MR, Shanley S, Chidambaram A, et al. Mutations of the patched gene. Cell. 1996;85(6):841-51. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0092-8674(00)81268-4

Evans DG, Ladusans EJ, Rimmer S, Burnell LD, Thakker N, Farndon PA. NBCCS complications. J Med Genet. 1993;30(6):460-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/jmg.30.6.460

Kimonis VE, Goldstein AM, Pastakia B, Yang ML, Kase R, DiGiovanna JJ, et al. Clinical manifestations. Am J Med Genet. 1997;69(3):299-308.

Bree AF, Shah MR, BCNS Colloquium Group. Consensus statement from the first international colloquium on basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS). Am J Med Genet A. 2011;155A(9):2091-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.a.34128

Manfredi M. Odontogenic keratocysts. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 2004;98:698-703.

Evans DG. Diagnostic criteria review. J Med Genet. 2004;41:421-8.

Shanley S. BCC in NBCCS. J Med Genet. 1994;31:754-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/jmg.31.10.754

Parikh NR. Nonsyndromic multiple odontogenic keratocysts. Adv Dent Res. 2010;1:71-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2229411220100111

Pastorino L. Molecular diagnosis. Clin Genet. 2009;75:109-16.

Arits AH. Treatment of BCC. Br J Dermatol. 2013;169:789-99.

Sekulic A. Efficacy and safety of vismodegib in advanced basal-cell carcinoma. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(23):2171-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1113713

Kimonis VE, Goldstein AM, Pastakia B, Yang ML, Kase R, DiGiovanna JJ, et al. Clinical manifestations in 105 persons with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. Am J Med Genet. 1997;69(3):299-308. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1096-8628(19970331)69:3<299::AID-AJMG16>3.0.CO;2-M

Downloads

Published

2026-06-22

How to Cite

Bhattacharya, S. (2026). Gorlin-Goltz syndrome presenting with multiple basal cell carcinomas and odontogenic keratocysts: a case report. International Journal of Research in Dermatology, 12(4), 351–354. https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20261936

Issue

Section

Case Reports