GENETIC-BASIS OF HEREDITARY UROLOGICAL DI SEASES .2. MALIGNANT DISEASES AND SYNDROMES

Our knowledge on the genetic origin of urological malignant diseases i s steadily increasing, A lot of this knowledge is derived from observa tions on familial clustering of certain malignancies. This review disc usses the clinical features of familial cancer, the underlying genetic defects and clinical implications. Bilateralism and early onset shoul d bring to mind a possible familial predisposition. Up to know, no sim ple genetic tests are available, but several advanced laboratory tests have shown good results in attempts to determine hereditary risk, Maj or knowledge on the possible familiality of most urologic malignant di seases is important, because adequate screening of family members may lead to early discovery and treatment.