Hereditary Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma

What are the screening options for HPRCC?

There are no specific screening guidelines for families suspected of having HPRCC. Individuals in these families are encouraged to talk with their doctor about screening options for kidney cancer, including:

Ultrasound (which uses sound waves to create a picture of the internal organs),

Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan (which creates a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body with an x-ray machine. A computer then combines these images into a detailed, cross-sectional view that shows any abnormalities or tumors), and

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)(which uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body). Some doctors suggest that individuals who have HPRCC, or a family history that suggests HPRCC, should have yearly screenings beginning at age 30.

Screening options may change over time as new technologies are developed and more is learned about HPRCC. It is important to talk with your doctor about appropriate screening tests.