# Is amyloidosis a hereditary disease? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/amyloidosis-is-it-hereditary Language: en Category: oncology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:50.499Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:50.499Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/amyloidosis-is-it-hereditary ## Understanding Amyloidosis Amyloidosis is a rare medical condition that occurs when abnormal proteins, called amyloid proteins, build up in tissues and organs. The body cannot break down and recycle these proteins normally, which leads to the formation of amyloid deposits. These deposits can affect organ function and cause damage. The onset and severity of symptoms depend on the affected organs and tissues, with the most commonly affected being the kidneys, heart, nervous system, liver, and digestive tract [\[1\]](). ## Hereditary Amyloidosis Yes, amyloidosis can be a hereditary disease in some cases. Hereditary amyloidosis occurs as a result of rare genetic mutations passed from a parent to a child. In this type, the body—often the liver—produces abnormal amyloid proteins that accumulate in various parts of the body, such as the kidneys, heart, and nerves, causing damage. There are multiple types of hereditary amyloidosis, each associated with a different genetic mutation and protein type [\[1\]](). The risk of developing hereditary amyloidosis increases for individuals who have a family member affected by this condition. It is important to note that amyloidosis is not always hereditary; there are other non-hereditary types, such as light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, AA amyloidosis, and dialysis-related amyloidosis [\[1\]](). ## The Role of Genetic Testing in Diagnosis Genetic testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing hereditary amyloidosis. Genetic tests can be used to look for specific gene mutations known to cause amyloidosis. This testing helps physicians identify the type of amyloidosis the patient has, which is essential for determining the appropriate treatment plan [\[1\]](). In addition to genetic testing, physicians may use a combination of other examinations to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of amyloidosis. These include medical and family history, physical examinations, and laboratory tests such as urine and blood analysis, as well as biopsies of affected tissues. A kidney biopsy can help look for amyloid deposits in kidney tissue and identify the type of amyloidosis [\[1\]](). ## Next Steps and Medical Care If there is a family history of amyloidosis or if the physician suspects a hereditary type, they may recommend genetic testing. It is important to discuss all symptoms and health history with a doctor to assess risks and determine the need for testing. There is no cure for amyloidosis, but treatment focuses on slowing the production of amyloid and treating the symptoms of organ damage [\[1\]](). In the case of hereditary amyloidosis, where the amyloid protein is often produced in the liver, a liver transplant may be an option to slow or stop the progression of the disease, but it is not suitable for everyone [\[1\]](). Patients experiencing symptoms such as severe fatigue, purple patches on the skin, enlarged tongue, diarrhea, swelling caused by fluid in tissues, or numbness and tingling in the legs and feet should consult a doctor to evaluate their condition. These symptoms may be an indicator of amyloidosis [\[3\]](). For more information about amyloidosis and protein buildup in the body, you can visit the article [Amyloidosis: Understanding Protein Buildup in the Body (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Amyloidosis & Kidney Disease]() - [Plasma Cell Neoplasms (Including Multiple Myeloma) Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/amyloidosis-is-it-hereditary#answer