Dyskeratosis

Dyskeratosis is a rare, often hereditary, medical condition that affects the skin, nails, and mucous membranes. It is characterized by abnormal skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy, and leukoplakia (white patches) in the mouth. Dyskeratosis is associated with a number of other medical conditions, including pulmonary fibrosis, bone marrow failure, and an increased risk of cancer.

Symptoms and signs

The symptoms of dyskeratosis can vary widely, but often include:

• Skin pigmentation abnormalities, often in a lacy or reticular pattern
• Nail dystrophy, which can lead to loss of nails
• Leukoplakia, or white patches, in the mouth
• Premature aging of the skin
• Increased risk of cancer, particularly skin cancer and cancer of the mouth

Causes

Dyskeratosis is often hereditary, caused by mutations in a number of different genes. These include the DKC1, TERC, and TERT genes, among others. These genes are involved in the maintenance of telomeres, which are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. When these genes are mutated, the telomeres can become shortened, leading to the symptoms of dyskeratosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of dyskeratosis is often based on the characteristic physical signs, such as skin pigmentation abnormalities, nail dystrophy, and leukoplakia. Genetic testing can also be used to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific gene mutation.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for dyskeratosis, and treatment is focused on managing the symptoms and preventing complications. This can include regular skin checks for signs of cancer, treatments to manage skin and nail abnormalities, and in some cases, bone marrow transplantation.

See also

• Telomere
• Genetic disorder
• Skin pigmentation
• Leukoplakia