Definition

An extremely rare, inherited disorder in which affected people have an increased risk of developing melanoma and nervous system tumors, especially astrocytoma (a type of brain tumor). The tumors tend to develop at an early age, and one or both types of tumors may occur in the same person. Melanoma and neural system tumor syndrome is caused by mutations (changes) in the CDKN2A gene. Also called melanoma-astrocytoma syndrome.