Skin Cancer Genetics Clinic

Not all skin cancers are inherited, but some people have a genetic predisposition. This means you may have a higher risk of developing cancer due to inherited gene changes.

You may benefit from this clinic if:

• you have a personal history of multiple or unusual skin cancers

• you have close relatives with melanoma or other cancers

• cancers have occurred at a younger age in your family

• you’ve been diagnosed with a condition linked to inherited cancer risk

The clinic also supports people concerned about inherited cancer risk who are looking for expert advice.

Genetic testing can help:

• clarify your future cancer risk

• guide how often you should have skin checks or scans

• inform decisions about prevention or early detection

• identify whether family members may also be at risk

This information can be valuable for both your own health and your family’s long-term care.

Conditions linked to inherited skin cancer risk

The clinic assesses a range of inherited conditions that may increase cancer risk. These include:

• familial melanoma

• hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer

• Lynch syndrome

• Gorlin syndrome

• Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome

These conditions are rare, but identifying them early can help guide appropriate monitoring and management.

Each appointment at the skin cancer genetics clinic is a face-to-face consultation that usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. During this time, your consultant will conduct a detailed and structured assessment.

The process typically includes:

• a review of your personal medical history

• a discussion about your family history of cancer

• a dermatological (skin) examination

• an assessment of whether genetic testing is appropriate

If needed, further investigations may be arranged, such as:

• genetic testing using next-generation sequencing - performed through accredited laboratories, genetic testing is designed to look for specific gene changes linked to inherited cancer syndromes

• skin biopsy

• review of previous histology reports of any previously diagnosed tumours or cancers

If genetic testing is appropriate, you’ll be guided through the process and supported at every stage.

Your consultants will explain:

• what the test involves

• what results may mean for you

• how results could affect your care and your family

Genetic counselling and testing are generally safe, as they don’t involve invasive testing or treatment. However, there are some important considerations to be aware of.

These include:

• emotional impact – results may cause anxiety or uncertainty

• uncertain findings – some results may not give clear answers

• family implications – results may affect relatives as well as you

Your consultants will discuss these points with you in detail before you undergo testing. They’ll make sure you understand the benefits and limitations so you can make an informed decision.

There’s no specific physical preparation required before an appointment. However, preparing some information in advance can help make your consultation more effective.

You may find it helpful to:

• bring details of your personal medical history

• gather information about your family’s cancer history

• bring copies of any histology or biopsy reports

• note down any questions you’d like to ask

Providing accurate family history is particularly important, as this plays a key role in assessing inherited risk.

As this is a diagnostic and counselling service, there’s no physical recovery period.

After your appointment:

• your consultant will explain any findings clearly

• you may receive recommendations for surveillance or follow-up

• the results of any genetic testing will be discussed at a follow-up appointment

• you may be referred to other specialists if needed

Ongoing support is an important part of this service. If your results show an increased cancer risk, your consultants will guide you through the next steps and help you access appropriate monitoring or treatment. In some cases, family members may also be advised to seek genetic counselling.

The cost of this service is:

• consultation: £350

• genetic test: £850

Health insurance cover may be available, depending on your individual policy. It’s important to check with your provider before your appointment.

At Welbeck, our consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

You can be referred by a healthcare professional, or you can self-refer for this service.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck dermatologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.