Genetic Counseling/Testing?

What are you hoping to learn?  Most melanoma is not genetic.  Do you have a strong family history of melanoma that might indicate a genetic defect?  Why is your oncologist recommending this? 

It's super expensive and most insurance won't cover it. It makes sense for someone with a family history of breast cancer or other genetic cancers. But with mel it's not really necessary and I wouldn't personally spend my money on it.

These are the quesitons I would ask: What is the expected benefit to you? Would the results influence a treatment choice or significantly help predict an outcome or provide some other meaningful information? If so, does your onc know of a study or other way to get it done at no cost? Too, how much time would it take> Isit a simple cheek swab or something more? Good luck and keep us posted.

Lisa

The DNA of your melanoma should be tested.   Some treatment options depend on the genetics of the melanoma.   Perhaps genetic counseling is required in your health care system or state, before DNA testing is done.  Because my melanoma is braf negative, some treatments would not work for me.

Mine is an assumption (possible cause) my Dad was in Vietnam and in heavily saturated areas of what is known as Agent Orange (Dioxin) a chemical designed as a “defoliant” to eat up the jungle so we could see the enemy. Its speculation on my part, my oncologist deems it VERY possible and according to Children Of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance & other supporting facts of “known” Birth Defects, Melanoma is one of many…but, i guarantee if i was tested for Dioxin there would be zero traces..Dow Chemical Company is off the hook them bastards..

Hi Savannah,

I must be dumb because i thought this happened anyway when they test you for BRAF – then the counsellor would go through the results. Others know more so I must be missing something.

in my case it was a mixed blessing. I found out about NRAS but i also found out about orher mutations that had nothing to do with melanoma (probably) – i hadnt realised this was on the table. Most likely this information will help me (and family members too) – but i was already stressed out with melanoma and genetic test results on top of this were a bit of a shock. But still better to be informed.

ask why its needed but most likely i would go along with the recommendation if there is a good reason

Oh! Im just now realizing i coulda contributed more info yesterday concerning “testing” and i maybe be wrong with the “type” of testing your asking/acquiring about but, my last tumor/surgery last year (June2017) in left leg (calf area) was revealed to me that, that particular tumor taken out was “NOT” related to anyother tumor iv had before (5 other surgeries since 2008) i thought that was interesting! So, in a nutshell, if none of those 5 tumors ever happened since 2008 (first diagnose date) last years surgery (June2017) could have been my intitial diagnose date! Wow huh?!! I hope i explained myself well!?? …our cancer is a trip…Mike

I am stage 2b and currently involved in a clinical trial. They wanted to do genetic testing and I asked how much. They said you can apply for financial help if you want. I did and got a call the next week that the testing would be free.