Complications
- Osteosarcomas have been reported to arise in as many as 32% of patients with Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (poikiloderma congenitale). They most frequently arise in the tibia/fibula. The development of osteosarcoma among patients with the syndrome has been strongly correlated with truncating mutations of RECQL4.
- The development of nonmelanoma skin cancers, with an earlier onset than that of the general population, has also been reported. The majority of cases were either Bowen disease or squamous cell carcinoma.[16] Squamous cell carcinoma may develop in acral keratoses.
- While most skin cancers reported in patients with Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (poikiloderma congenitale) have been nonmelanoma skin cancers; Howell and Bray reported the occurrence of an amelanotic melanoma in a young woman with Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (poikiloderma congenitale).[17]
Prognosis
- In the absence of malignancy, patients usually have a normal life span.
Patient Education
- Patients and their families should be educated regarding the potential signs and symptoms of osteosarcoma such as bone pain, swelling, or an enlarging lesion on a limb.
- The use of broad-spectrum photoprotection should be emphasized. Monitoring for nonhealing, ulcerated, or enlarging skin lesions suggestive of malignancy should also be encouraged.
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