Understanding hereditary kidney cancer
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing kidney cancer, including the most common type, renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In rare cases, kidney cancer is caused by genetic changes (mutations) passed from parents to their children. These conditions are called familial renal cell carcinoma syndromes or genetic kidney cancer syndromes.
Some hereditary syndromes can increase the risk for kidney cancers. Specialists at Penn Medicine are leaders in treating genetic kidney cancer syndromes. Through our nationally recognized Translational Medicine and Human Genetics program, we offer access to genetic counselors who can help you understand the benefits of genetic testing.
Types of hereditary kidney cancer
Treatment for hereditary renal cell carcinoma depends on the stage of the cancer and the family syndrome involved. Your care team may recommend one or more of the following options for managing hereditary kidney cancer.
When your provider finds cancer early, while it has a low risk of spreading, they may recommend active surveillance as an effective approach. Our skilled advanced practice providers (APPs) regularly check tumors for growth and spread. This allows you to avoid more invasive treatments and side effects.
Our APPs specialize in the care of urologic cancers like renal cell carcinoma. Their special training in this area helps them notice any concerning changes early—when treatment can have the most impact.
If you have hereditary kidney cancer, there’s a higher chance of developing multiple tumors throughout the body. One treatment option is kidney removal surgery (nephrectomy). While this can be effective, it’s important to understand that it may affect your kidney function in the long run.
If you aren’t a candidate for or prefer to avoid traditional kidney cancer surgery, renal ablation offers a less invasive option.
Ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that uses energy sources like electrical currents (radiofrequency ablation) or extreme cold (cryotherapy) to destroy tumors. With the help of advanced imaging technology, our specialists can precisely target tumors while preserving healthy kidney tissue. This approach often leads to:
- Fewer complications
- The ability to treat multiple tumors at the same time
- Shorter hospital stays
At Penn Medicine, our kidney cancer team includes an interventional radiologist specializing in tumor ablation. This collaborative approach means your entire team contributes to the decision-making process for your treatment, not just your ablation specialist.
Testing for hereditary kidney cancer
Genetic testing uses DNA collected through a blood sample or saliva (spit) to look for changes in your genes that could be passed down in your family. This can be done using tests that check many genes at once (multi-gene panel tests) or just one gene (single-gene test), depending on your family history. It’s important to talk to a genetics expert to understand the testing and what the results mean.
Penn Medicine offers genetic testing and counseling through these programs:
- Translational Medicine and Human Genetics program: We offer genetic testing and counseling to help you understand your risk of developing kidney cancer so you can make personalized care decisions.
- Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) Syndrome Center: We offer genetic counseling and testing for adults and children with VHL.
Treating hereditary kidney cancer
Treatment for hereditary renal cell carcinoma depends on the stage of the cancer and the family syndrome involved. Your care team may recommend one or more of the following options for managing hereditary kidney cancer.
When your provider finds cancer early, while it has a low risk of spreading, they may recommend active surveillance as an effective approach. Our skilled advanced practice providers (APPs) regularly check tumors for growth and spread. This allows you to avoid more invasive treatments and side effects.
Our APPs specialize in the care of urologic cancers like renal cell carcinoma. Their special training in this area helps them notice any concerning changes early—when treatment can have the most impact.
If you have hereditary kidney cancer, there’s a higher chance of developing multiple tumors throughout the body. One treatment option is kidney removal surgery (nephrectomy). While this can be effective, it’s important to understand that it may affect your kidney function in the long run.
If you aren’t a candidate for or prefer to avoid traditional kidney cancer surgery, renal ablation offers a less invasive option.
Ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that uses energy sources like electrical currents (radiofrequency ablation) or extreme cold (cryotherapy) to destroy tumors. With the help of advanced imaging technology, our specialists can precisely target tumors while preserving healthy kidney tissue. This approach often leads to:
- Fewer complications
- The ability to treat multiple tumors at the same time
- Shorter hospital stays
At Penn Medicine, our kidney cancer team includes an interventional radiologist specializing in tumor ablation. This collaborative approach means your entire team contributes to the decision-making process for your treatment, not just your ablation specialist.
A team approach to familial kidney cancer care
At Penn Medicine, our specialists work together to provide you with the best possible care for hereditary kidney cancer. This includes access to genetic counseling.
Your genetic counselor is like your own personal gene detective. They help gather the information and tests needed to give you the best possible care.
Our genetic counselors can help you:
- Understand how hereditary syndromes affect you and your family
- Make sense of your genetic test results
- Make informed decisions about your health
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.