Melanoma

• Melanomas arise from melanocytes, which are pigment producing cells.

• Melanomas occur most often in the skin, but can arise from other areas such as eye (retinal), vagina, anal, mouth (mucosal), and sometimes when no primary (site of origin) can be found.

• Several inherited melanoma syndromes have been identified.

• FAMMM ( Familial atypical Mole and Melanoma) also call the “Dysplastic Nevus syndrome”, is the clustering of melanomas in successive generations.

• The syndrome is associated with the CDK2NA gene that produces the p16 protein.

• The National Cancer Institute defines the disorder as 1) one or more first or second degree relatives with malignant melanoma, 2) many moles, some of which are atypical and often different sizes and 3) moles that have specific features when examined under a microscope.

• FAMMM is also considered when there are pancreatic cancers families with melanomas.

• Other melanoma associated conditions: a) BRCA2 b) Melanoma/Astrocytoma syndrome c) Melanocorin-1 d) Xeroderma Pigmentosum e) others

• If you would like to know more about Melanoma associated family syndromes contact the Illinois Cancer Care Genetics Clinic.