Skin cancer risk in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. (29th April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gumaste, P.V.; Penn, L.A.; Cymerman, R.M.; Kirchhoff, T.; Polsky, D.; McLellan, B.
• Is Part Of: British journal of dermatology. Volume 172:Number 6(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 1498
• Page End: 1506
• Publication Date: 2015-04-29
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13626
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0963

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="bjd13626-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <p>Women with <italic>BRCA1/2</italic> 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 <italic>BRCA1/2</italic> 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 <italic>BRCA1/2</italic> mutation carriers. No studies have shown a statistically significant risk of melanoma in <italic>BRCA1</italic> families. <italic>BRCA2</italic> 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 <italic>BRCA2</italic> 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 <italic>BRCA1/2</italic> mutation or a family history of a <italic>BRCA1/2</italic> mutation, in the absence of standard risk factors. Nonetheless, suspected <italic>BRCA1/2</italic> mutation carriers should be counselled about skin cancer risks and may benefit from yearly full skin examinations.</p> </abstract>