DefinitionHereditary amyloidosis is a condition in which abnormal protein deposits (called amyloid) form in almost every tissue in the body. These protein deposits damage the tissues and interfere with the function of the involved organs.Alternative NamesAmyloidosis - hereditaryCauses, incidence, and risk factorsHereditary amyloidosis is passed down from parents to their children (inherited). For more information see: Primary amyloidosis.Other types of amyloidosis, which are not inherited, may be:Spontaneous, which means it occurs without a known causeSecondary, which means it results from diseases such as cancer of the blood cells (myeloma)For further information, see the specific type:Cardiac amyloidosisCerebral amyloidosisSecondary systemic amyloidosisReferencesGertz MA, Lacy MQ, Dispen