Hereditary causes of kidney tumours.
BACKGROUND
In most cases of renal cell carcinoma there is no family history of renal cancer and no hereditary cause of the disease. Hereditary renal cancer accounts for about 2-4% of cases. Recognition of this subgroup by clinicians is important because of the possibility of severe medical consequences for patients and their relatives.


METHODS
We review the latest data about different genetic conditions characterized by an increased risk of developing renal cancer and we formulate tools to recognize high-risk families.


RESULTS
In general, a positive family history, young age at diagnosis of renal cancer, multiple and/or bilateral renal tumours and combined occurrence of different histological types of renal tumours should raise suspicion of a hereditary renal tumour syndrome. In addition, the presence of specific extrarenal symptoms in patients could assist in differentiating between tumour syndromes.


CONCLUSIONS
A detailed medical and family history, along with physical examination are key factors to diagnose hereditary renal cancer syndromes. When a genetic predisposition for renal cancer is suspected, referral to a Family Cancer Clinic is warranted to initiate genetic examination and counselling on preventive options.
The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. p.axwijk@nki.nl
Priscilla Helene
PH
Axwijk
Irma
I
Kluijt
Daphne
D
de Jong
Hans
H
Gille
Jelle
J
Teertstra
Simon
S
Horenblas
D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors