BHD is a genetic disease, caused by mutations in the Folliculin (FLCN) gene.

Having BHD symptoms suggests that you may have BHD, but as there are other diseases that can cause similar symptoms, the only way to definitely know if you have BHD is to have a genetic test.

BHD is an autosomal dominant disorder. This means that:

• men and women are equally likely to be affected;
• if you have BHD, any child you have has a 50% chance of inheriting BHD from you;
• if you have BHD, you probably inherited it from one of your parents.

It is possible you have a brand new Folliculin mutation, meaning you are the first person in your family to have BHD. However, this is incredibly rare.

If you have BHD, it is far more likely that you inherited it from a parent, even if they haven’t been diagnosed with BHD. It is also possible that the blood-relatives of this parent (i.e. your siblings, or any grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins on that side of the family) may also have BHD.

In this section, you can find the following pages:

• Do I have BHD?
• The genetics of BHD
• Who should be tested for BHD?
• Why should I be tested for BHD?
• Genetic testing
• Genetic testing – getting the results
• You have BHD, what now?
• Finding a doctor

Last Updated: May 2021
Review date: May 2024