What is the typical genetic inheritance pattern of Gardner's syndrome?

Gardner's syndrome is associated with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. In this type of genetic inheritance, only one copy of a mutated gene from an affected parent is sufficient to cause the condition in the offspring. This means that an affected individual has a 50% chance of passing the mutated gene to each child.

The syndrome itself is a variant of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) characterized by the presence of numerous polyps in the colon and rectum, along with extraintestinal manifestations such as epidermoid cysts, fibromas, and osteomas. The gene implicated in Gardner's syndrome is the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene, which, when mutated, leads to the development of these polyps and subsequent risk of colorectal cancer.

Understanding the inheritance pattern is crucial for genetic counseling, as family members of individuals with Gardner's syndrome need to be aware of their own risks and the potential for screening. Additionally, since it is autosomal dominant, both males and females are equally affected, and the severity of the condition can vary among individuals, even within the same family.