BCNS is caused by mutations in the PTCH (Patched) gene found on chromosome arm 9q. The major features of BCNS include odontogenic keratocysts, palmoplantar pits, ectopic calcification, and, of course, basal cell carcinomas. The associated findings in BCNS, in addition to medulloblastoma, include macrocephaly and dysmorphic features such as cleft lip or palate, frontal bossing, and hypertelorism.
Dr. Lawrence F. Eichenfield
“I’ve treated a hundred at a time. It’s incredibly successful. It’s locally destructive. It leaves a little bit of hypopigmentation but no scar, which the CO2 laser will do in this instance. It’s actually a pretty cool modality,” said Dr. Eichenfield, professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Rady Children’s Hospital and the University of California, San Diego.
Follicular eruptions in cancer patients on MAPK inhibitors
Cutaneous reactions to anticancer drugs aimed at inhibiting the key MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway in children are common and diverse. Dr. Huang focused on the most common one: follicular eruptions, which occur in up to 80% of pediatric cancer patients on targeted therapy. These eruptions can express themselves in a variety of ways and are easily mistaken for comedonal acne, varicella zoster infection, herpes simplex, or bacterial folliculitis.