The Location of the Familial Tumor in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer in Fukushima Medical University

Abstract

The fundamental law on cancer measures has been enacted, and the cancer diagnosis and treatment have become more important. The location of familial tumor in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and genetic counseling have become important. Solid cancers such as those of the digestive organs, respiratory organ, breast and endocrine organs are mainly treated in our department, and familial tumors are often encountered. Investigating the family history might be extremely important, and familial tumor might be suspected after listening to the family history of the patient with cancer. The presence of two or more family members with same cancer type and two or more cancer in the same lineage may be indicatiors of familial tumor. In addition, familial tumor may be assumed from features such as early onset of cancer, frequent occurrence, and multiple cancers. Moreover, genetic counseling was also important, and 75 cases received genetic counseling during 2006 in our department. An appropriate policy of treatment will be established by recognizing and diagnosing familial tumors, because there are specific features in the appropriate treatment of familial tumor. In FAP and MEN, treatment has already been established by genetic testing.