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Cancer Care

Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas

melanoma hereditary risk, skin cancer risk, melanoma 
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Hereditary Cancer Risk Program

214.820.9600
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Hereditary Melanoma  

 

Is Melanoma Genetic?

Melanoma can happen by chance, can be caused by environmental exposures, or can be caused by genetic factors.  When cancer happens by chance or environmental exposures we call it “sporadic.”  About 90% of all melanomas are sporadic and may be caused by risk factors such as sun exposure or a history of severe sunburns. 

About 10% of melanoma is caused by a genetic syndrome.  Individuals with genetic syndromes have a mutation (or change) in a gene that causes them to be at increased for breast cancer.  These mutations are inherited from either parent and can be passed on to children. 

People with genetic cancer syndromes may be at risk to develop other types of cancers as well.  Learning if you have a cancer syndrome can help you understand your risk to develop cancer, your family’s risk to develop cancer, and potentially provide you with ways to reduce your cancer risk. 

Who Is at Risk for Hereditary Melanoma?

People with hereditary melanoma usually have multiple melanomas, or they have a family history of melanoma.  Occasionally these individuals will have a history of pancreatic cancer as well.  We have many genes that work to protect our bodies from developing cancer. 

How Does Someone Get Hereditary Melanoma?

There is one gene, called p16 that is mutated in about 20-40% of people who have hereditary melanoma.  When this gene is mutated, it cannot work to protect our bodies from cancer.  There are other genes that can also cause melanoma.  If we identify a mutation we know that there is a 50% chance that this mutation could be passed on to children.  A genetic counselor can help you learn if you have a risk of hereditary melanoma. 

How Can I Find Out More?

If you are interested in learning more about hereditary melanoma you ask your doctor if you may be at risk for hereditary melanoma, or you can contact us to set up a genetic counseling appointment.