Gorlin syndrome
(GOR-lin SIN-drome)
A genetic condition that causes unusual facial features and disorders of the skin, bones, nervous system, eyes, and endocrine glands. People with this syndrome have a higher risk of basal cell carcinoma. Also called basal cell nevus syndrome and nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.
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basal cell (BAY-sul sel)
A small, round cell found in the lower part (or base) of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
basal cell carcinoma (BAY-sul sel KAR-sih-NOH-muh)
Cancer that begins in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). It may appear as a small white or flesh-colored bump that grows slowly and may bleed. Basal cell carcinomas are usually found on areas of the body exposed to the sun. Basal cell carcinomas rarely metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. They are the most common form of skin cancer. Also called basal cell cancer.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
basal cell nevus syndrome (BAY-sul sel NEE-vus SIN-drome)
A genetic condition that causes unusual facial features and disorders of the skin, bones, nervous system, eyes, and endocrine glands. People with this syndrome have a higher risk of basal cell carcinoma. Also called Gorlin syndrome and nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
carcinoma (KAR-sih-NOH-muh)
Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
cell (sel)
The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
condition (kun-DIH-shun)
In medicine, a health problem with certain characteristics or symptoms.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
endocrine (EN-doh-krin)
Refers to tissue that makes and releases hormones that travel in the bloodstream and control the actions of other cells or organs. Some examples of endocrine tissues are the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
genetic (jeh-NEH-tik)
Inherited; having to do with information that is passed from parents to offspring through genes in sperm and egg cells.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
nervous system (NER-vus SIS-tem)
The organized network of nerve tissue in the body. It includes the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), the peripheral nervous system (nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body), and other nerve tissue.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
nevus (NEE-vus)
A benign (not cancer) growth on the skin that is formed by a cluster of melanocytes (cells that make a substance called melanin, which gives color to skin and eyes). A nevus is usually dark and may be raised from the skin. Also called mole.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
syndrome (SIN-drome)
A set of symptoms or conditions that occur together and suggest the presence of a certain disease or an increased chance of developing the disease.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
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