Examine your orofacial cleft patients for Gorlin-Goltz syndrome

Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 1997 Jul;34(4):342-50. doi: 10.1597/1545-1569_1997_034_0341_eyocpf_2.3.co_2.

Abstract

The Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is characterized by four primary symptoms: multiple nevoid basal cell epitheliomas that usually undergo malignant transformation; jaw keratocysts that show constant growth; skeletal anomalies; and intracranial calcifications. A myriad of additional findings may also be noted. Among the most frequent are: palmar and plantar pits, a characteristic flattened facies and broad nasal root, frontal and parietal bossing, mandibular prognathia, hypertelorism, strabismus, dystrophia of the canthi, and clefts of the lip, alveolus, and/or palate. In this study, we review the literature and our 25 cases of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome patients, questioning their incidence of cleft formations (8.5%) as compared to the general population (0.1%). It is our contention that all patients who present with an orofacial cleft warrant deeper investigation as to the presence of additional signs indicative of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome. The nevi turn malignant with time, and thus, early diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment are imperative.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alveolar Process / abnormalities
  • Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome / pathology
  • Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome / therapy
  • Brain Diseases / pathology
  • Calcinosis / pathology
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology
  • Cleft Lip / diagnosis*
  • Cleft Palate / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Eyelid Diseases / pathology
  • Face / abnormalities*
  • Facies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foot Deformities / pathology
  • Frontal Bone / abnormalities
  • Hand Deformities / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hypertelorism / pathology
  • Incidence
  • Jaw Cysts / pathology
  • Male
  • Mouth Abnormalities / diagnosis*
  • Nose / abnormalities
  • Parietal Bone / abnormalities
  • Prognathism / pathology
  • Strabismus / pathology