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