Is Kidney Cancer Hereditary?

Kidney cancer is usually not hereditary, but in some people it can be linked to genetic factors passed through families. Understanding whether kidney cancer runs in families helps identify those who may benefit from genetic testing and closer medical follow-up.

Most cases of kidney cancer occur sporadically, meaning they happen by chance and are not inherited. In these cases, genetic changes develop only in the kidney cells during a person’s lifetime, often due to aging, smoking, obesity, or high blood pressure. However, about 5 to 8 percent of all kidney cancers are hereditary, caused by specific mutations present from birth that can be passed from one generation to the next.

Several inherited syndromes are known to increase the risk of kidney cancer. The most well-known is von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease, which causes multiple tumors and cysts in different organs, including the kidneys. People with VHL often develop kidney tumors at a younger age, and these tumors may appear in both kidneys.

Another condition, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma (HPRCC), is caused by mutations in the MET gene and leads to multiple papillary-type kidney cancers. Similarly, Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome, caused by mutations in the FLCN gene, increases the risk of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and other benign growths on the skin and lungs. Tuberous sclerosis complex and hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) are additional syndromes that can lead to kidney tumors, often with more aggressive behavior.

People who inherit one of these conditions have a much higher lifetime risk of developing kidney cancer, sometimes decades earlier than the general population. Because these genetic changes are present in all cells of the body, they can be identified through genetic testing, which uses a simple blood or saliva sample. Testing is especially recommended if several family members have had kidney cancer, if tumors occur at a young age, or if both kidneys are affected.

Even though hereditary kidney cancers are rare, knowing about them can save lives. Family members who carry the same mutation can be monitored regularly with imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI so that any tumors can be detected early and treated before they spread.

In summary, most kidney cancers are not hereditary, but a small percentage are caused by inherited genetic mutations. Understanding family history and, when appropriate, seeking genetic counseling can help with early diagnosis, prevention, and peace of mind.

Looking for more questions?

Visit our Kidney Cancer Questions page for all other topics explained in plain language.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Sarcomatoid Kidney Cancer?

Image
Table of Contents Introduction Causes and Risk Factors Clinical Presentation Diagnosis Treatment Options Prognosis Conclusion References Introduction Sarcomatoid kidney cancer is a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer characterized by the presence of cancer cells with spindle-shaped features resembling those seen in sarcomas. Unlike typical renal cell carcinoma, sarcomatoid kidney cancer is not a distinct subtype but rather a high-grade transformation that can occur in any subtype of renal cell carcinoma. The presence of sarcomatoid features indicates a more aggressive clinical course and a poorer prognosis compared to other forms of kidney cancer. Sarcomatoid kidney cancer is a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer characterized by the presence of cancer cells with spindle-shaped features resembling those seen in sarcomas. Unlike typical renal cell carcinoma, sarcomatoid kidney cancer is not a distinct subtype but rather a high-grade transformation...
Read more

Kidney Questions Answered in Plain Language

Start exploring below. Your kidneys do much more than make urine. They filter your blood, balance your fluids, control blood pressure, and support bone and red blood cell health. But how exactly do they do all this? This page is your one-stop resource for understanding how the kidneys work—one question at a time. Whether you are curious about how much urine is normal, what kidneys remove from the blood, or what happens with only one kidney, you will find simple, science-backed answers here. Each topic below links to a short article that explains one key question in plain language. These articles are designed for anyone to understand—no medical background needed. As new articles are published, they will be added to the list below. Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest updates. What do the kidneys do in the human body? How do the kidneys filter blood? Where are the kidneys located in the body? Can you live a normal life with one kidney? How much urine do healthy kidneys ...
Read more

Can Kidney Disease Be Reversed?

Whether kidney disease can be reversed depends on the cause, the stage of the disease, and how early it is detected. In general, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered a long-term condition that tends to get worse over time. While it may not be fully reversible, its progress can often be slowed or even stopped with the right treatment. In the early stages, lifestyle changes and medications can help protect your remaining kidney function. This includes: Controlling blood pressure Managing blood sugar in people with diabetes Reducing salt and protein intake Staying well-hydrated Avoiding medications that may harm the kidneys, such as certain painkillers If CKD is caught early, these steps can prevent further damage and help you maintain good kidney function for many years. In contrast, acute kidney injury (AKI)—a sudden loss of kidney function due to illness, dehydration, or medications—is often reversible. With quick treatment, such as IV fluids, stopping harmful medications, or tre...
Read more