Features of basal cell carcinomas in basal cell nevus syndrome

Abstract

Basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS) is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis that is characterized by early onset basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) that define the disease and often lead to diagnosis of the underlying syndrome. The objective of this study was to investigate the anatomic location, subtypes, and impact of BCCs on a group of 61 individuals affected with BCNS attending a research colloquium. Fifty individuals had at least one prior BCC with 22 participants having over 100 lesions. The median age of syndrome diagnosis was 11 years and median age of first BCC was 16 years. Males had more lesions on the upper back, upper extremities, and M-zone of the face, while females had more lesions on the scalp, back, and lower extremities. Pigmented BCCs were concentrated on the neck, upper trunk, and extremities. Subjects with >100 lesions showed wider anatomic distribution. The number of BCCs did not correlate with any of the other major features of the syndrome. Eighty percent of affected individuals reported great concern related to BCCs, citing the limitations and morbidity of available treatments. Vigilant surveillance, which was found to be inconsistent for participants in this study, is warranted. Future work should include development of a consensus guideline on skin examinations and strategies to optimize therapy of BCCs in this syndrome.

Scalp basal cell carcinoma: A different entity?

“…In another study, Tom, Hurley, Oliver, Shah, and Bree (2011) observed that these lesions appeared more frequently in non-sun-exposed areas of the body in patients with more than 100 BCCs, with the scalp being the most frequent location in women.…”

“…In the context of basal cell carcinoma nevus syndrome, a rare genetic condition where patients develop multiple BCCS, it has been shown that most advanced BCCs appear preferentially on the scalp, despite the presence of thick hair (Urso, Updyke, & Solomon, ). In another study, Tom, Hurley, Oliver, Shah, and Bree () observed that these lesions appeared more frequently in non‐sun‐exposed areas of the body in patients with more than 100 BCCs, with the scalp being the most frequent location in women.…”

Confocal and dermoscopic features of basal cell carcinoma in Gorlin–Goltz syndrome: A case report

“…In larger lesions, arborising telangiectasia may also be present. No other dermatoscopic features have been reported . Notably, in our patient BCC were typified by the presence of few dots without any vascular pattern, making a dermoscopic diagnosis extremely difficult.…”

Genetic Testing by Cancer Site

“…The presence of basal cell carcinomas is also dependent on other factors, including skin type and radiation exposure, including sun exposure. 40,41 …”