GARDNERS-SYNDROME

The clinical triad of familial adenomatous polyposis, multiple cutaneo us epidermoid cysts, and osteomas denotes Gardner's syndrome. Unless p rophylactic colectomy is performed, affected individuals will develop adenocarcinoma of the colon. Other benign and malignant tumors occur w ith increased frequency. Cutaneous findings are an important diagnosti c clue for Gardner's syndrome, because the skin and bone abnormalities generally precede gastrointestinal lesions by up to ten years.