Karin’s Story – Cancer on both Kidneys

Karin first found out about BHD syndrome after her dad was diagnosed. She initially decided not to be tested but years later developed kidney cancer.  Read on for Karin's Story.

My name is Karin Guthrie. I am a BHD cancer patient and a 40-year-old mother of two little boys. My Birt-Hogg-Dubé inheritance came from my father. He was in the original BHD study through the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, along with his sister and two brothers. Dad was referred to the study while visiting a dermatologist who noticed his fibrofolliculomas, the tell-tale spots of BHD, on his face. All 4 tested positive for the genetic disorder, and one of my uncles had previously had a malignant tumour removed from his kidney.

My cousins and siblings were advised at the time to get tested, but I ignored the warning. In my early 30’s I noticed a couple of the spots on my face, just like Dad. I figured I probably had BHD but didn’t concern myself with testing as I was afraid there would be future insurance problems if it had been confirmed. In September 2007, I went in for an abdominal ultrasound from some pain I’d had for about 48 hours, which turned into two CT scans and a phone call confirmed that I had a mass on each kidney. I just knew in my heart what I had, and that BHD was involved. Later it was confirmed that I had bilateral clear cell renal cell carcinoma, grade 4. Of the clear cell varieties, that is the most aggressive. Surprisingly, the pain I had turned out to be my irritable bowel syndrome, so my finding was incidental.

I just knew in my heart what I had, and that BHD was involved. Later it was confirmed that I had bilateral clear cell renal cell carcinoma, grade 4.

I was immediately accepted into the BHD study at NCI in Bethesda because of my diagnosis and family history. In November I had a left-side partial nephrectomy and have healed well. I never had any cancer symptoms, as I’ve heard is the case with most kidney cancer patients. Of course, I have run through a hundred thoughts and emotions, as well as dozens more you wouldn’t know about unless you actually get cancer. It is especially tough if your kids are so small.

Fortunately, I have great medical care, get frequent scans and tests, and have the support I need through God, my family and amazing friends. Cancer is definitely not the end, and I look forward to every day with the people who mean the most to me.

If you know that someone in your family has BHD syndrome, it is very important that you consider getting tested yourself. Visit our Map of BHD experts to find a doctor near you.