Oral manifestations of genodermatoses.

Many genodermatoses have distinct oral features that may help identify or confirm a genetic diagnosis. Oral features of the disorders described here are summarized in Table 1. These conditions provide clear examples of rapid progress in the field of genetic technology relevant to patient care. Less than a decade ago, the exact genetic locus of most of these disorders was unknown. Today, for many of these disorders, the exact location of the disease-causing mutation is known and clinical genetic testing is available for patients. This information has impact not only for genetic counseling and anticipatory medical care, but also provides insight into the mechanisms of disease. How this rapid progress will impact care, and ultimately treatment of patients, remains to be seen.