Renal Cell Carcinoma which may present as abdominal lumps, blood in the urine, unexplained weight loss, lower back pain, loss of appetite or fatigue
Benign skin growths that appear pink or reddish brown, often on the trunk, extremities and face
Benign smooth muscle tumors in the uterus that can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual periods, pelvic pain, bleed between periods and swelling of the abdomen
Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer Syndrome (HLRCC) is a genetic disorder that can affect multiple organs, particularly the skin, uterus, and kidneys. It is caused by mutations in the FH gene, which is responsible for producing the enzyme fumarate hydratase.
People with HLRCC often develop benign smooth muscle tumors, known as leiomyomas, on their skin and in the uterus. These tumors can lead to significant discomfort. More critically, individuals with HLRCC face a higher risk of developing an aggressive form of kidney cancer.
HLRCC is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning that each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition. Genetic testing can confirm a diagnosis and plays a crucial role in early detection and monitoring. Identifying kidney cancer at an early stage—before it has spread—can be life-saving for individuals with HLRCC.