Gorlin Syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic condition (which can affect either sex).  The Gorlin gene is one of approximately 100,000 genes present in each one of our cells (the body's building blocks). 

For every characteristic humans possess, we inherit two genes - one from our mother and one from our father.  Gorlin syndrome is caused when one gene of a particular gene pair contains a fault, the other gene of the pair being normal.  Someone with Gorlin syndrome can pass on to a child either the copy of the gene causing the syndrome, or the normal gene of the pair.  This means each child of a person with Gorlin syndrome has a 1 in 2 (50:50) chance of also inheriting the faulty gene, and so developing signs of the condition.