Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), also known as basal cell nevus syndrome, multiple basal cell carcinoma syndrome, Gorlin syndrome, and Gorlin–Goltz syndrome, is an inherited medical condition involving defects within multiple body systems such as the skin, nervous system, eyes, endocrine system, and bones. People with this syndrome are particularly prone to developing a common and usually non-life-threatening form of non-melanoma skin cancers.
About 10% of people with the condition do not develop basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). The name Gorlin syndrome refers to researcher Robert J. Gorlin (1923–2006).
First described in 1960, NBCCS is an autosomal dominant condition that can cause unusual facial appearances and a predisposition for basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer which rarely spreads to other parts of the body. The prevalence is reported to be 1 case per 56,000-164,000 population. Recent work in molecular genetics has shown NBCCS to be caused by mutations in the PTCH (Patched) gene found on chromosome arm 9q. If a child inherits the defective gene from either parent, he or she will have the disorder.
Read more about Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome: Incidence, Components, Diagnostic Criteria, Treatment, See Also
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