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.