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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Use of Ultra-high Field MRI in Small Rodent Models of Polycystic Kidney Disease for In Vivo Phenotyping and Drug Monitoring
Published on: June 23, 2015
Hereditary causes of kidney tumours
Priscilla Helene Axwijk1, Irma Kluijt, Daphne de Jong
1The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. p.axwijk@nki.nl
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.
Materials And 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.
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