This information is designed for individuals who have been tested for a hereditary cancer syndrome. It will help you understand the results of your test and is best reviewed with your healthcare provider. Please choose the link below that matches your test result by looking at the patient copy of your test result or contacting the healthcare provider who ordered your test.
The Genetic Test You Received
- Comprehensive MELARIS ®: Full sequence analysis of the p16 gene.
Your Test Result
- No Mutation Detected
- Genetic Variant, Favor Polymorphism
Overview of Your Test Result
Mutations in the p16 gene are the most common known cause of hereditary melanoma syndrome.
If Your Test Result is "No Mutation Detected"
- There were no mutations or alterations detected in the p16 gene.
- The chance that you have hereditary melanoma syndrome is reduced but not ruled out.
If Your Test Result is "Genetic Variant, Favor Polymorphism"
- A genetic change or variant was detected in the p16 gene.
- It is normal to see some variation in genes – not everyone is alike.
- These variants are called polymorphisms.
- Polymorphisms do not cause hereditary melanoma syndrome.
- The chance that you have hereditary melanoma syndrome is reduced but not ruled out.
Your Cancer Risks
- Your cancer risks should be estimated based on your personal and family history of cancer.
- Your healthcare provider can assist you in understanding these risks.
- The possibility remains that your cancer risks could be increased due to:
- Other non-hereditary factors (for example: environment).
- Another hereditary cancer syndrome.
- A mutation in the p16 gene that current technology cannot detect.
Managing Your Risks
- Your test result has given you some helpful information but it is still best to manage your cancer risks based on your personal and family history.
- You and your healthcare provider can develop the most appropriate plan for your medical management.
- Your healthcare provider can help you determine whether any further genetic testing should be offered to you or to a family member.
It’s a Family Affair
- Since no mutation was found in you, most often, your relatives would not be offered MELARIS® testing.
- In some cases, MELARIS® testing should be offered to another relative who has been diagnosed with melanoma and/or pancreatic cancer in order to provide more information about hereditary risk in the family. Talk to your healthcare provider about this option.
If you need a copy of your genetic test result, please contact the healthcare provider who ordered your test.
Next Steps
Please work with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate next steps for you.
- Obtain a copy of your test result.
- Schedule consultations with appropriate healthcare providers.
- Create a plan for medical management.
- Share your genetic test result with your relatives.
- Re-contact your healthcare provider on a regular basis for new information.
Additional Resources
Myriad has resources available to help you with your genetic test result.
- Contact Myriad’s Medical Services Department at 1-800-469-7423 for:
- Answers to questions about your test result.
- Information about genetic testing for your relatives.
- Online tools:
- List of Support Organizations
- A healthcare provider who can offer genetic testing to relatives in any state can be found at the Find a Doctor page.
- A sample letter that can be sent to relatives who may need genetic testing: letterME2NoMutationDetected (Word)
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