Melanoma Genetics Clinic

The Melanoma Genetics Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital is directed by Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD, a dermatologist and researcher who also serves as director of the Pigmented Lesion Center and Skin Cancer Genetics Laboratory in the Wellman Center for Photomedicine. Our team also includes specialists in the areas of dermatology and genetics.

Should You Consider Genetic Counseling?

A visit to our clinic may be right for you if your personal and/or family history includes one or more of the following:

• Individuals with multiple primary melanomas
• Three or more cases of melanoma on the same side of the family
• Melanoma and pancreatic cancer on the same side of the family

If interested in an evaluation for hereditary melanoma, you will have the option of meeting with a dermatologist for a clinical exam as well as a genetic counselor. If you prefer to discuss hereditary melanoma risk only (without a clinical examination), you can schedule an appointment directly with a genetic counselor. During the genetic counseling session, family history is reviewed and options for genetic testing, including research opportunities, are discussed.

Understanding Hereditary Melanoma

The gene most commonly discussed with patients in our clinic is the CDKN2A gene (also known as p16), which contributes to an increased risk of melanoma and, in some families, possibly pancreatic cancer. However, this gene is found in only a portion of hereditary melanoma families.

Since the genetic cause of most hereditary melanoma cases is not well-known, our clinic has an active interest in research to better our understanding of hereditary melanoma. Our melanoma research registry currently includes more than 300 participants. Our team contributes to the growing body of research and publications regarding hereditary melanoma.