Xeroderma pigmentosum and lentigo maligna in identical twins

Abstract

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis. Skin abnormalities result from an inability to repair UV-damaged DNA. Clinically, XP presents with early onset cutaneous changes (severe photosensitivity, actinic keratoses, and telangiectasias) and an increase of developing cutaneous malignancies beginning in early childhood, but lentigo maligna and melanomas are relatively rare. Here we report on homozygote twins in whom there was no positive family history. They showed subnormal physical growth. On ophthalmological examination, both had photophobia and decreased visual acuity. Since birth, several excisions had been performed for skin neoplasms. In one of them a pigmented patch developed over the frontal area which proved to be lentigo maligna and she was referred to a dermato-oncology center. They have been given isotretinoin and physical sunscreen since then. The follow-up period was extended to 2 years and no serious complications occurred from the above treatment. This is an interesting report about XP in twins with the presentation of the rare neoplasm lentigo maligna.

Is Pediatric Melanoma Really That Different from Adult Melanoma? A Multicenter Epidemiological, Clinical and Dermoscopic Study

“…While rare histological types would appear to be more frequent, lentigo maligna is extremely rare among pediatric patients and has been reported only in patients affected by xeroderma pigmentosum [ 7 , 8 ].…”