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To Make An Appointment:
617-724-1971
Director: Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD
Melanoma
Genetics Services
 Our
program accepts patients from the Massachusetts
General Hospital Pigmented Lesion Clinic,
outside referrals and self-referrals.
In many cases, melanoma is thought to
be linked to environmental influences,
such as sun exposure. However, it is estimated
that approximately 10% of people with
melanoma have at least one other family
member with the disease and that some
of these individuals may be at hereditary
risk of melanoma.
Genetic counseling is offered in order
to learn more about hereditary causes
of melanoma and genetic testing options.
In addition, patients have the option
of participating in research studies.
Individuals with following histories should
consider melanoma genetic counseling:
- Personal history of melanoma and
at least one close family member with
melanoma
- Two or more close family members
with melanoma
- Personal history of three or more
primary melanomas, even without a
family history of the disease
- Download
program brochure (pdf)
Melanoma
Genetics Research
Our program has a strong interest
in clinical and laboratory research regarding
the hereditary causes of melanoma. We
are members of the international Melanoma
Genetics Consortium as well as pursuing
specific research at Massachusetts General
Hospital/Partners Cancer Care. Patients
have the option to participate in the
following studies.
Melanoma Genetics Registry
The purpose of this study is to collect
blood samples, medical records from cancer
diagnoses and family history information
in order to build a collection of information
for future research questions. Participants
in this study do not receive individual
genetic research results but will be informed
of any useful information learned from
the overall research. Participation requires
one (10 minute) conversation in person
or over the phone with the genetic counselor
for consenting and taking family history,
filling out a consent form at home or
person and one blood draw (3 tubes) at
the hospital or any other facility.
Contact: Center for Cancer Risk Assessment
617-724-1971
Melanoma Genetic Counseling and
Testing Study
The purpose of this study is to determine
whether individuals with possible hereditary
risk of melanoma wish to learn more about
their risks and genetic testing options.
In addition, the effect of genetic counseling
and testing on cancer prevention and surveillance
is also an area of interest. Participants
in this study will have the option of
filling out one questionnaire (15 –30
minutes) at home. This is the only requirement
for the study; however, if an individual
is interested, genetic counseling and
genetic testing will be provided free
of charge (two in-person visits), if desired.
If genetic counseling phase of the study
is performed, three follow-up questionnaires
will be completed at home over the course
of one year. (No longer accepting
new families)
Contact: Center for Cancer Risk Assessment
617-724-1971
Genetics
Specialists Director
Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD
Genetic Counselors
Lauren Carpiniello, MS
Devanshi Patel, MS
Kristen Mahoney Shannon, MS, CGC
Gayun Chan Smutko, MS
Melanoma
Genetics Information
Download detailed information about
hereditary causes of melanoma.
Additional sources of information:
Learn
about this type of cancer
We invite you to come to our Cancer
Resource Room to assist you in your search to find
out information on this type of diagnosis and about
living with cancer.
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