Families with multiple cases of urinary system tumors: brief communication

A study of three families living in villages with endemic nephropathy (EN) in Vratza district, Bulgaria, revealed 9 members with urinary system tumors (UST), 7 with UST and EN, and 7 with EN. Most cases were registered from 1962 to 1976. The predominant form was transitional cell neoplasms of the kidney pelvis and ureter in patients 40-60 years old. In about 40% of the patients more than one site in the urinary system was involved. One ovarian carcinoma was also registered in these families during this period. Persons related by marriage and coming from nonendemic families and villages were also affected by both diseases. In other branches of the three families living in other households or villages, only one case of EN was found.