Skip to main content

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the von Hippel-Lindau Comprehensive Clinical Care Center evaluate and treat patients with familial syndromes that are associated with kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) such as von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome (BHD), Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Carcinoma (HLRCC), and more.

von Hippel-Lindau clinic leaders Mary Dunn and Tracy Rose

Co-Directors Mary Dunn, NP, and Tracy Rose, MD

Comprehensive Clinical Care

UNC was first selected by the VHL Alliance as a VHL Clinical Care Center in January 2012, and joined the ranks of over 20 other clinical care centers across the United States. Every two years, the VHL comprehensive clinical care center directors submit a renewal application that is thoroughly reviewed by the VHL Alliance. The UNC VHL Comprehensive Clinical Care Center has been approved for renewal during each application cycle.

Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) sometimes occurs as a part of familial syndromes in which multiple members of a family can be affected with kidney cancers and often other growths. There are several syndromes which predispose to kidney cancers in one or both kidneys. These syndromes include the following:

  • von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)
  • Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome (BHD)
  • Hereditary papillary renal cell cancer (pRCC)
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)
  • Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Carcinoma (HLRCC)

Specialized Care at UNC

The long term care of patients with a family syndrome of kidney cancer is often complex and involves the attention of many medical specialties and health care providers. At UNC we have a team of specialists in a multitude of fields to integrate whatever care is needed based on a comprehensive risk assessment. View our members and their specialties.

The benefits for patients and families with VHL, BHD, or another familial syndrome to be treated at a VHL Clinical Care Center include the following:

  • Access to relevant specialists in one institution, with clustering of appointments and coordinated care
  • Access to the services such as MRI and CT scanners, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, angiography, physical therapy, genetic testing, neurological rehabilitation, radio frequency ablation and cryotherapy that are right for your medical condition
  • Access to the latest research and expertise about less common conditions
  • Coordination and communication among providers

For further information on von Hippel-Lindau disease please see the VHL Alliance website.

Appointments & Questions

To make an appointment or refer a patient, please call (984) 974-0000 and ask to speak with the new patient intake coordinators for the GU Oncology team.

(Available 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., ET Monday – Friday)