Gorlin Syndrome, also known as Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome, is \u201can autosomal dominant familial cancer<\/a> syndrome characterized by multiple basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts, and a range of skeletal, ophthalmologic and neurologic abnormalities that often emerge during childhood<\/a>,\u201d according to the National Library of Medicine<\/a>.<\/p>\n In simpler terms, it is a genetic disorder which increases the risk<\/a> of basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n File photo: Gene editing in vitro genetic CRISPR genome engineering medical biotechnology health care concept with a fertilized human egg embryo and a group of dividing cells as a 3D illustration. (wildpixel\/Getty).<\/p>\n Fewer than 50,000 people in the United States<\/a> are known to have the condition, according to the Cleveland Clinic<\/a>. However, since symptoms<\/a> of the disease<\/a> can be mild and go unnoticed, the actual number is probably higher. Still, Gorlin syndrome remains rare.<\/p>\n The disease<\/a> is caused by a mutation of one of the three genes<\/a> that is supposed to stop tumors from growing and is usually inherited from a biological<\/a> parent.<\/p>\n Weighing the Risks<\/p>\n When donating sperm<\/a>, a genetic evaluation is typically performed for a donor.<\/p>\n \u201cThe goal of the risk assessment is to try to reduce the risk for significant medical problems in the donor\u2019s offspring,\u201d says California Cryobank<\/a>, though the medical center does emphasize that everyone has a 3-to-4 percent chance of having a child with a birth defect<\/a>.<\/p>\n In Pfeffer\u2019s case, the donor\u2019s genetic mutation was not caught before the donation was made, allowing the process to proceed.<\/p>\n The mom also clarified in the comments that in the case of extremely rare mutations such as Gorlin Syndrome, tests are not always performed.<\/p>\n On TikTok<\/a>, some commentators praised the donor for coming forward after finding out about the mutation themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cA donor actually reporting to the agency is unusual and more responsible than most. Hope things go well for him,\u201d a sympathizer wrote, recognizing that the donor is facing Gorlin Syndrome, as well.<\/p>\n Other commenters shared their own stories of thriving with the disease.<\/p>\n \u201cFirst time Gorlin syndrome has ever popped up on my [For You Page],\u201d an individual noted, adding, \u201cFound out my husband and his family have it after genetic testing on our kids. They are all thriving and surviving.\u201d<\/p>\n Pfeffer\u2019s case is rare, as is the disease that her son is now facing, but her story spotlights both a condition and an experience that is not often talked about. Meanwhile, the family has been able to find support and community online to help them through this life-altering experience.<\/p>\n \u201cMy niece has Gorlin Syndrome,\u201d a popular comment began, \u201cShe\u2019s had every single symptom, skin cancer, brain cancer<\/a>, fibroids in her ovaries and jaw tumors.<\/p>\n \u201cShe has had more surgeries than any adult I know\u2014she\u2019s about to be 18, thriving, has a boyfriend [and] so many friends<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Newsweek has reached out to aliciapfeffer1 for comment via TikTok<\/a>. We could not verify the details of the case.<\/p>\n Related Articles<\/p>\n![\"FEA01_Sperm_Donor_03\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/04f046bb146246f7b25666bdd64792d1.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/36916bd12dc0dbe3fb5803e507e3c65b.jpeg\"\/)
<\/a><\/p>\n