What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Desmoid Precursor Lesion (with Gardner Fibroma)
• Gardner-Associated Fibroma (GAF)
• Soft Fibroma, Gardner Fibroma Type

What is Gardner Fibroma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Gardner Fibroma is a benign, irregular tumor of collagen mass that is often seen with Gardner-type familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• Gardner Fibroma is usually present near the spinal cord. The tumors may be superficial, subcutaneous, or deep-seated (occurring inside the body tissues)
• Most tumors are seen to be asymptomatic, and there are also no significant complications due to Gardner Fibroma. However, desmoid-type tumors are known to form spontaneously at the site of Gardner Fibroma in many cases
• A complete excision of Gardner Fibroma usually results in a cure. The prognosis with appropriate treatment (surgical removal) is excellent
• However, both the treatment and prognosis of Gardner Fibroma is dependent upon the presence of FAP and other genetic conditions

Who gets Gardner Fibroma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Gardner Fibroma is mostly detected in children up to 10 years old, though individuals up to 40 years of age have been affected
• It is generally seen in males and females with an equal incidence rate
• The condition is observed worldwide. There is no ethnic or racial preference for Gardner Fibroma

What are the Risk Factors for Gardner Fibroma? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Gardner Fibroma include the following (in about 80% of the cases):

• Gardner-type familial adenomatous polyposis
• Germline mutations in APC gene
• Inherited desmoids
• Gardner syndrome
• The presence of nuchal-type fibroma may indicate Gardner Fibroma, when seen in children

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Gardner Fibroma? (Etiology)

• The cause of Gardner Fibroma is currently unknown; it may be due to genetic mutations
• However, the tumor is seen to occur against a background of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP, a genetic disorder that increases an individual’s susceptibility to colon cancer)

Note: It is important that children or adults with Gardner Fibroma be probed for FAP and other related genetic disorders.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gardner Fibroma?

The signs and symptoms of Gardner Fibroma include:

• Most tumors are asymptomatic presenting no signs and symptoms
• Gardner Fibromas are usually found next to the spinal cord; other sites include the trunk (back or chest), abdomen, head and neck area, and arms/legs
• They may be present just below the skin, in the subcutaneous layers, or deep inside the body
• The tumor ranges in size from 1-10 cm
• It feels like a firm rubbery mass; it is not a well-circumscribed tumor
• Signs and symptoms of underlying Gardner syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Note: When Gardner Fibroma in FAP is located in the mesentery (small bowel portion), it is termed as Desmoid Precursor Lesion.

How is Gardner Fibroma Diagnosed?

The following are the diagnostic tools for Gardner Fibroma:

• A thorough physical examination and a complete medical history are very crucial
• Imaging studies via CT or MRI scans
• Screening colonoscopy in case of familial adenomatous polyposis: Since, Gardner Fibroma occurs in a background of FAP, individuals should undertake screening colonoscopies to detect colon tumors (at an earlier age), as recommended by the healthcare provider
• Tissue biopsy of the tumor: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, who examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Gardner Fibroma?

The complications of Gardner Fibroma include the following:

• 50% individuals are known to develop a benign tumor known as desmoid-type fibromatosis at the site of Gardner Fibroma. This formation may even take place after surgical excision to remove Gardner Fibroma is undertaken
• Complications due to underlying genetic disorders such as Gardner syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis

How is Gardner Fibroma Treated?

The following are the methods used to treat Gardner Fibroma:

• Gardner Fibroma is benign in nature, and so, a surgical excision of the tumor is considered sufficient treatment
• Tumors that occur against a background of familial adenomatous polyposis or other genetic disorders may require additional treatments that may include medications and colonic surgery
• Follow-up care with long-term regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Gardner Fibroma be Prevented?

Currently, there are no specific methods or guidelines to prevent Gardner Fibroma. If the tumor occurs against a background of familial adenomatous polyposis, then the following factors may be considered:

• Genetic testing of the expecting parents (and related family members) and prenatal diagnosis (molecular testing of the fetus during pregnancy) may help in understanding the risks better during pregnancy
• If there is a family history of the condition, then genetic counseling will help assess risks, before planning for a child
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of inherited and acquired genetic disorders such as Gardner Fibroma
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests, scans and physical examinations are mandatory

What is the Prognosis of Gardner Fibroma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Gardner Fibroma that does not occur along with any other genetic conditions is excellent on a complete surgical removal of the tumor. However, a random formation of desmoid-type tumors that are known arise at the site of original tumor, is observed in over half of the cases
• The prognosis of Gardner Fibroma seen in association with genetic disorders, such as Gardner syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), may depend on the severity of the underlying disorders
• If Gardner Fibroma is diagnosed in a child, then checking for the presence of FAP is important

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Gardner Fibroma:

Please visit our Cancer & Benign Tumor Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/