clinical, laboratory, and epidemiologic characterization of individuals and families at high risk of melanoma

Conditions: Melanoma; Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome

Summary: this study will investigate how genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and related conditions. individuals \>=4 weeks with a personal or family history of melanoma or atypical spitzoid/spitz tumor may be eligible for this study. participants will: * fill out one or two questionnaires about their personal and family medical history. * provide written consent for researchers to review their medical records and pathology materials related to their care and those of deceased relatives with melanomas, tumors, cancer, or other related illnesses for whom they are the next-of-kin or legally authorized representative. * donate a blood or cheek cell sample to be used for genetic studies. (the blood sample is collected through a needle in an arm vein. the cheek cell sample is obtained either by gently brushing the inside of the mouth with a soft brush or by swishing a tablespoon of mouthwash and then spitting it into a container.) * undergo a skin biopsy (removal of a small piece of skin tissue) for genetic study. for this procedure, the area of skin to be removed is numbed with a local anesthetic and a 1/4-inch piece of skin is excised with a cookie cutter-like instrument. the wound is then covered with a band-aid. participants may be asked to travel to the nih clinical center for evaluation, including a medical history, physical examination, and some of the following procedures: * full body skin examination to evaluate the type and number of moles and document any evidence of sun damage to the skin. the examination involves all the skin from the scalp to the bottoms of the feet. after the examination, a medical photographer will photograph the skin, with close-ups of skin lesions marked by the examiner. if there are parts of the skin the participant does not want examined or photographed, he or she can tell the examiner. * blood draw of about 120 milliliters (4 ounces) or less * skin biopsy * cheek cell sample * x-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (mri) studies to detect tumors or changes in tumors or other types of changes in specific tissues. mri is a diagnostic test that uses strong magnetic fields and radiowaves to examine body tissues. the subject lies on a table that is moved into a large tunnel-like machine (the scanner) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. when the tests are finished, a doctor will discuss the results with the participant and the need, if any, for clinical follow-up.

study description: melanoma-prone families and individuals with risk factors for melanoma, including people with spitzoid tumors and giant congenital nevi, are human models of susceptibility to neoplasia from which mechanisms of cancer susceptibility may be elucidated. for most of the high-risk cancer susceptibility genes, including cdkn2a and cdk4 in melanoma-prone families, germline mutations conferring risk have been found through family studies. investigations of individuals and families at high risk of melanoma have led to etiologic clues that are important in the general population and have identified persons most likely to benefit from chemoprevention trials and screening programs aimed at early diagnosis of melanoma. objectives: 1. to evaluate and define the clinical spectrum and natural history of disease in syndromes predisposing to melanoma 2. to evaluate potential precursor states of disease in individuals and families at risk 3. to quantify risks of melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and other cancers in family members and individuals with an elevated risk for melanoma 4. to map, clone, and determine function of tumor susceptibility genes in melanoma-prone families, including modifier genes such as pigmentation or dysplastic nevi genes 5. to identify genetic determinants and gene-environmental interactions conferring melanoma (and other cancer) risk in individuals and families 6. to evaluate gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in melanoma (and other cancer) formation 7. to characterize genetic alternations in precursor lesions and melanomas that occur in individuals and families with an increased risk of melanoma. 8. to educate and counsel study participants about their melanoma risk and methods for primary and secondary prevention of melanoma 9. to develop educational materials for medical professionals and high-risk family members endpoints: primary endpoints: all cancers that occur in individuals and families at high risk of melanoma secondary endpoints: secondary endpoints are markers of pre-malignant conditions, such as dysplastic nevi, giant congenital nevi, and spitzoid tumors

Eligibility criteria:
* inclusion criteria: * on referral, persons \>=4 weeks old of any sex, race or ethnicity will be considered for inclusion in the study because of the criteria noted below. * affected: an individual who meets any of the following criteria will be eligible to participate in this study: * personal medical history of melanoma of an unusual type, pattern, or number diagnosed at any age; or, * known or suspected factor(s) predisposing to melanoma, either genetic or congenital factors (giant congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi, spitzoid tumors), or unusual demographic features (e.g., very young age of onset, multiple melanomas, previous history of heritable retinoblastoma, hodgkin s disease, lymphoma, immunodeficiency syndrome, or organ transplant). * ability of the individual or their parent or legal guardian, to understand, and their willingness to provide informed consent. * unaffected: an individual who meets any of the following criteria will be eligible to participate in this study: * family medical history of melanoma of an unusual type, pattern, or number; or, * known or suspected factor(s) predisposing to melanoma, either genetic or congenital factors (giant congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi. spitzoid tumors), or unusual demographic features (e.g., very young age of onset, multiple melanomas, previous history of heritable retinoblastoma, hodgkin s disease, lymphoma, immunodeficiency syndrome, or organ transplant). * ability of the individual or their parent, or legal guardian to understand, and their willingness to provide informed consent. * personal and family medical history must be verified through questionnaires, interviews, and review of pathology slides and medical records. exclusion criteria: * referred individuals and families for whom reported diagnoses cannot be verified; * inability to provide informed consent

Keywords: skin cancer risk factors melanoma precursors genetics melanoma