WHAT IS GARDNER’S SYNDROME?
Gardner’s syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder. It generally causes what starts out to be benign or noncancerous growth. It is characterized as a subtype of familial adenomatous polyposis, which over time causes colon cancer.
Gardner’s syndrome could lead to growth in various areas of the body. Tumors are most commonly found in the colon, at times in large numbers. They tend to rise with age. In addition to polyps on the colon, growths could develop, including fibromas, desmoid tumors, and sebaceous cysts, which are fluid-filled growths underneath the skin. Eye lesions could also occur on the retina in someone who has Gardner’s syndrome.
WHAT CAUSES GARDNER’S SYNDROME?
The syndrome is a genetic condition, which means it is hereditary. The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene intermediates the production of APC protein. The APC protein regulates cell growth by preventing cells from dividing too fast or in a disorderly manner. People suffering from Gardner’s syndrome have a defect in the APC gene. This results in abnormal tissue growth. What causes the mutation of this gene has not been identified.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR GARDNER’S SYNDROME?
The primary risk factor for developing Gardner’s syndrome is having at least one parent with the condition. A spontaneous mutation of the APC gene is a much less common occurrence.
GARDNER’S SYNDROME SYMPTOMS
Common symptoms of this condition are :
- Growths in the colon
- Development of extra teeth
- Bony tumors on the skull and other bones
- Cysts under the skin
The primary symptom of Gardner’s syndrome is multiple growths in the colon. The growths are also referred to as polyps. Although the number of growths varies, they could be in the hundreds.
In addition to growths on the colon, extra teeth could develop, along with bony tumors on the skull. Another common symptom of Gardner’s syndrome is cysts, which could form under the skin on various parts of the body. Fibromas and epithelial cysts are frequent. People with the syndrome also have a much greater risk of colon cancer.
HOW IS GARDNER’S SYNDROME DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor might use a blood test to check for Gardner’s syndrome if multiple colon polyps are detected during lower GI tract endoscopy, or if there are other symptoms. This blood test shows if there is an APC gene mutation.
GARDNER’S SYNDROME TREATMENT
Because people with Gardner’s syndrome have a higher risk of developing colon cancer, treatment is generally aimed at preventing this.
Medications such as an NSAID (sulindac) or a COX2 inhibitor (celecoxib) might be used to help limit the growth of colon polyps
Treatment also includes close monitoring of the polyps with lower GI tract endoscopy to make sure they do not become malignant (cancerous). Once twenty or more polyps and/or multiple higher-risk polyps are found, removal of the colon is recommended in order to prevent colon cancer.
If dental abnormalities are present, treatment might be recommended to correct problems.
As with all medical conditions, a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, exercise, and stress-reduction activities could help people cope with related physical and emotional issues
OUTLOOK:-
The outlook for people with Gardner’s syndrome varies, depending upon the severity of symptoms. People who have an APC gene mutation such as that in Gardner’s syndrome have an increasingly high chance of developing colon cancer as they get older. Without surgical treatment, nearly all people with the APC gene mutation will develop colon cancer by 39 years of age (on average).
PREVENTION
Since Gardner’s syndrome is hereditary, there is no way to prevent it. A doctor might conduct genetic testing, which can determine if a person carries the gene mutation.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from gardner’s syndrome, our expert providers at Specialty Care Clinics will take care of your health and help you recover.
Call 469-545-9983 to book a telehealth appointment for an at-home check-up.