RATIONALE: The identification of gene mutations in individuals who have or are at risk for von Hippel-Lindau syndrome may allow doctors to better determine the genetic processes involved in the development of cancer.

PURPOSE: This genetic study is finding gene mutations in participants with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome or who are at risk for developing von Hippel-Lindau syndrome.

OBJECTIVES:

• Obtain laboratory identification and confirmation of research results for gene mutations in participants previously enrolled in NCI-99-C-0053 who have von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome or who are at risk for VHL syndrome.
• Determine genotype status in these participants.

OUTLINE: Participants submit a blood or buccal sample for genetic mutation analysis. Participants may receive genetic counseling and/or the results of genetic testing, if desired.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A maximum of 260 participants will be accrued for this study.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Prior enrollment in the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) Syndrome Epidemiology Study NCI-99-C-0053

• Meets 1 of the following criteria:

  • Diagnosis of VHL syndrome
  • At risk of VHL syndrome
  • Family member of patient with VHL syndrome

• VHL syndrome genotype is not known

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age

• Adult

Performance status

• Not specified

Life expectancy

• Not specified

Hematopoietic

• Not specified

Hepatic

• Not specified

Renal

• Not specified

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy

• Not specified

Chemotherapy

• Not specified

Endocrine therapy

• Not specified

Radiotherapy

• Not specified

Surgery

• Not specified