Hereditary determinants of gynecological cancer and recommendations

Key points

• Hereditary genetic factors are responsible for a considerable part of gynecological malignancies.

• Knowing these factors enables precision prevention.

• Non-HPV-associated cervical adenocarcinomas (NHPVA) are diseases related to hereditary genetic factors.

• Among endometrial carcinomas, 3%-5% are hereditary (Lynch syndrome) and in half of cases they precede colorectal cancer, which is the most detected.

• Ovarian, tubal and peritoneal high-grade serous carcinomas originate in the epithelium of the tubal fimbriae.

• Approximately 20% of ovarian carcinomas are hereditary.

• Pathogenic mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are more frequent in ovarian cancer, but other genes are also related to this disease.

• The identification of individuals at hereditary risk for gynecological cancer and prophylaxis are the most efficient measures.

• Assessment of family history and appropriate genetic tests interpreted by qualified professionals are cost-effective.

• Clinical therapeutic measures and prophylactic surgeries are part of the resources for prevention of hereditary gynecological cancer.

The National Specialty Commission for Gynecologic Oncology of the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (FEBRASGO) endorses to this document. The content production is based on scientific studies on a thematic proposal and the findings presented contribute to clinical practice.

Publication History

Article published online:
21 September 2021

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