Examine your orofacial cleft patients for Gorlin-Goltz syndrome

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.