Take our online questionnaire to find out if genetic counseling is appropriate for you.

< Back to disease list

Kidney Cancer

While most kidney cancer (also called renal cancer) does not run in the family, a portion of kidney cancers are hereditary. Hereditary cancers are caused by a mutation in a gene that can be passed on from generation to generation.

Symptoms

• Blood in the urine
• Pain, pressure or a lump in the side or back
• Swelling of the ankles and legs
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

Causes/Risk Factors

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Family history of kidney cancer
• High blood pressure
• History of kidney disease
• Genetic mutations (see below)

Genetic Tests

The following genetic tests may be appropriate based on your personal and/or family history:

• VHL (Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome)
• MET (hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma)
• FLCN (Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome)
• FH (hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma)
• MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 (Lynch syndrome/HNPCC)

Schedule an Appointment

To speak with a board-certified genetic counselor about your risks for this disease:

• Schedule genetic counseling appointment online
• Or call 1-800-975-4819
• Send email

Learn More

American Cancer Society

National Cancer Institute

American Urological Association

Support Groups

Action to Cure Kidney Cancer