Be alert for BAP1 mutations in hereditary melanomas

Follow-up and genetic counseling

There is no standard protocol for follow-up once a patient is identified with a BAP1 mutation. “I refer them for uveal, kidney, and/or lung cancer evaluation and see them back two to four times a year for skin checks.”

A meeting attendee suggested that management of a patient with melanoma might not differ based on genetic-testing results. “I agree with you that I don’t need to know the genetic status within these families to help with their cutaneous melanomas,” Dr. Tsao replied. “But the question becomes, are there other internal malignancies you’re not screening for appropriately?”

Another attendee asked about genetic counseling. “I encourage genetic counseling since dermatologists often don’t have time to take at detailed family history of all cancers and ages of onset,” Dr. Tsao said. “Genetic counselors can help sort out the strength of the genetic pedigree in a family. My residents usually ask if someone has a history of melanoma in their family, and that’s it. But there is a big difference between having a cousin with melanoma and three brothers with melanoma.”