Familial polyposis coli with multiple sebaceous cysts and osteomata: Gardner's syndrome.

Abstract

SummaryThis report describes the association of multiple sebaceous cysts and osteomata with polyposis of the colon—Gardner's syndrome. A mother and all three children were affected. This suggests that the condition is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The chromosomes of the affected members of the family were normal.The mother died from metastases from a carcinoma of the colon at the age of 38 years. This finding and the experience of others indicate that children with Gardner's syndrome including polyposis of the colon will most probably develop carcinoma of the colon in middle age. Prophylactic colectomy should be considered in early adult life.