Epidermoid cysts, polyposis coli and Gardner's syndrome

One hundred and ninety-six members of 15 families with Gardner's syndrome were investigated to determine the type of skin cyst that is part of this syndrome. These were shown to be epidermoid cysts and not pilar cysts or steatocystoma multiplex. They were solitary or multiple and seldom large and disfiguring. The skin cysts often occurred before the intestinal polyps were detectable. The presence of epidermoid cysts in children should be an indication for sigmoidoscopy when the child reaches the age of 14 years, and at 3-yearly intervals thereafter up to the age of 30 years, whether or not there is a family history of polyposis coli. At present it is not possible to say if Gardner's syndrome is the same as, or different from, familial polyposis. Until all patients with colonic polyps have a full clinical examination, looking for skin cysts and osteomas, X-rays of the skull and long bones to detect osteomas and dental X-rays for abnormalities of the teeth this question will remain unanswered.