[Gardner's syndrome].

Gardner's syndrome is a dominant, familial cancer syndrome. It is characterized by intestinal polyposis, multiple osteomas, especially of the skull, and various soft tissue tumors (such as epidermal cysts or desmoid tumors). Late age of onset is the main feature distinguishing it from other polyposis syndromes. The risk of malignancies developing during adult life is virtually 100%, and colectomy is mandatory. Since extracolonic manifestations are very often the first symptoms seen by the physician, it is very important to know that they are indicative of Gardner's syndrome and associated with intestinal polyposis.