Syndromic sebaceous nevus: current findings

Abstract

Background

Sebaceous nevus is a congenital malformation of the skin that usually occurs on the scalp or face. Syndromic forms do rarely exist with associated cerebral and ocular malformations. The skin lesions are pale at birth and become irregular by puberty. In the adult patient, tumors (usually benign) develop from sebaceous nevus. Their surgical excision during childhood can give a better result in terms of the definitive scar.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to analyze our cases of syndromic sebaceous hamartoma, perform a review of the existing literature, and propose guidelines for the therapeutic plan.

Methods

This is a retrospective study reviewing the cases of syndromic sebaceous nevus treated in the Department of Orthopedic Plastic Pediatric Surgery in Montpellier, France, and the Department of Pediatric Surgery in Lausanne, Switzerland, between 1994 and 2016.

Results

The files of six patients with syndromic sebaceous nevus were analyzed. The average age at the first consultation was 4 months. The location was craniofacial in all cases. Cerebral radiological imaging was performed on all patients; two showed abnormal findings. Four patients underwent ophthalmic examination, which all revealed abnormalities. Three patients had other associated malformations. Three patients presented with epilepsy or learning difficulties in the course of follow-up.

Conclusion

All patients presenting with extensive sebaceous nevus of the craniofacial region should benefit from cerebral imagery and ophthalmic examination since there is a very high probability of associated abnormalities. The developmental problems encountered could not be definitively associated with the skin malformations.