Multiple pilomatrixomas in a survivor of WNT-activated medulloblastoma leading to the discovery of a germline APC mutation and the diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2018 Jan;65(1). doi: 10.1002/pbc.26756. Epub 2017 Aug 9.

Abstract

Because children diagnosed with WNT-activated medulloblastoma have a 10-year overall survival rate of 95%, active long-term follow-up is critically important in reducing mortality from other causes. Here, we describe an 11-year-old adopted female who developed multiple pilomatrixomas 3 years after diagnosis of WNT-activated medulloblastoma, an unusual finding that prompted deeper clinical investigation. A heterozygous germline APC gene mutation was discovered, consistent with familial adenomatous polyposis. Screening endoscopy revealed numerous precancerous polyps that were excised. This case highlights the importance of long-term follow-up of pediatric cancer survivors, including attention to unexpected symptoms, which might unveil an underlying cancer predisposition syndrome.

Keywords: APC mutations; FAP; Wnt signaling pathway; medulloblastoma; pilomatrixoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein* / genetics
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein* / metabolism
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli* / diagnosis
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli* / genetics
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli* / metabolism
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli* / pathology
  • Cancer Survivors*
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Germ-Line Mutation*
  • Hair Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Hair Diseases* / genetics
  • Hair Diseases* / metabolism
  • Hair Diseases* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Medulloblastoma* / diagnosis
  • Medulloblastoma* / genetics
  • Medulloblastoma* / metabolism
  • Medulloblastoma* / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary* / genetics
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary* / metabolism
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary* / pathology
  • Pilomatrixoma* / diagnosis
  • Pilomatrixoma* / genetics
  • Pilomatrixoma* / metabolism
  • Pilomatrixoma* / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Wnt Proteins* / genetics
  • Wnt Proteins* / metabolism

Substances

  • APC protein, human
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein
  • Wnt Proteins