Gardner Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the development of soft tissue and bones in the body. The word "Gardner" is pronounced /ɡɑrdnər/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stressed syllable being the first one. The spelling of the word is based on English orthographic conventions, where the letter "g" is pronounced as /ɡ/, the "a" is pronounced as /ɑ/, the "r" is silent, the "d" is pronounced as /n/, and the final "er" is pronounced as /ər/. Proper pronunciation and spelling are critical for clear communication and medical accuracy.
Gardner Syndrome is a medical condition characterized by a hereditary predisposition to the development of numerous polyposis, which are abnormal growths that typically form on the lining of the colon and rectum. This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning that an affected individual has a 50% chance of passing on the syndrome to their offspring.
Individuals with Gardner Syndrome often develop hundreds or even thousands of polyps throughout their lifetime, which significantly increases their risk of developing colorectal cancer. These polyps can also form in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and small intestine, and can be associated with noncancerous tumors in other organs such as the skin.
Common symptoms of Gardner Syndrome include the presence of polyps in the colon and rectum, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and anemia. If left untreated, this condition can progress to more advanced stages, leading to a higher likelihood of developing cancer.
Diagnosis of Gardner Syndrome typically involves a thorough evaluation of an individual's medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as colonoscopy or computed tomography (CT) scan. Genetic testing may also be performed to identify specific mutations associated with Gardner Syndrome.
Treatment for Gardner Syndrome primarily focuses on the management and removal of polyps through regular surveillance colonoscopies or surgical intervention. Additionally, preventive measures such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and a well-balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing complications associated with Gardner Syndrome, particularly colorectal cancer.
The word "Gardner syndrome" is derived from the last name of the American physician, Dr. Eldon J. Gardner. He, along with the American geneticist Dr. Kenneth L. Warthin, first described the syndrome in 1951. Gardner syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by the development of multiple polyps in the colon, as well as other manifestations such as osteomas (benign tumors of the bone), dental abnormalities, and soft tissue tumors.