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Skin cancer risk in BRCA 1/2 mutation carriers
Author(s) -
Gumaste P.V.,
Penn L.A.,
Cymerman R.M.,
Kirchhoff T.,
Polsky D.,
McLellan B.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.13626
Subject(s) - medicine , skin cancer , melanoma , ovarian cancer , breast cancer , cancer , dermatology , oncology , mutation , family history , risk factor , cancer research , genetics , gene , biology
Summary Women with BRCA 1/2 mutations have an elevated risk of breast and ovarian cancer. These patients and their clinicians are often concerned about their risk for other cancers, including skin cancer. Research evaluating the association between BRCA 1/2 mutations and skin cancer is limited and has produced inconsistent results. Herein, we review the current literature on the risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers in BRCA 1/2 mutation carriers. No studies have shown a statistically significant risk of melanoma in BRCA 1 families. BRCA 2 mutations have been linked to melanoma in large breast and ovarian cancer families, though a statistically significant elevated risk was reported in only one study. Five additional studies have shown some association between BRCA 2 mutations and melanoma, while four studies did not find any association. With respect to nonmelanoma skin cancers, studies have produced conflicting results. Given the current state of medical knowledge, there is insufficient evidence to warrant increased skin cancer surveillance of patients with a confirmed BRCA 1/2 mutation or a family history of a BRCA 1/2 mutation, in the absence of standard risk factors. Nonetheless, suspected BRCA 1/2 mutation carriers should be counselled about skin cancer risks and may benefit from yearly full skin examinations.