brca2 variant of uncertain significance

Hi Sanbar - I don't have a BRCA mutation but didn't want to leave your post hanging. You may also want to post in the "BRCA" forum as well.

Anyway, my understanding of the three possible results from BRCA 1 and 2 testing is:

positive for mutation known to be associated with breast/ovarian cancer in BRCA 1 and/or 2

negative for the above

variant of unknown significance "VUS"

I think the last category has got to be pretty tough to deal with b/c they see something different about the way your BRCA 1 or 2 (I guess BRCA 2 is what you mentioned?) gene looks BUT they don't know if it is associated with cancer or not. 

From what my onc said, Myriad, the lab in Utah that does the testing, is compiling a list of these "VUS" mutations and at some point in the future IF they are able to link more definitively to breast/ovarian CA may be included as a positive BRCA test result. These VUS mutations could also be red herrings and not associated with anything though. So it truly is a shoulder shrugger unfortunately because I don't think anyone knows one way or another.  I do have a friend who has a VUS and her doctor is taking a more conservative approach with her - she is enrolled in an ovarian cancer screening program where she gets bloodwork and pelvic ultrasounds every 6 months (actually I am in it too just due to personal hx of BC at a young age).

I am sorry if you are having to deal with this uncertainty too, on top of BC.  It sure isn't fair.  (((hugs)))

Mine said that, too.   No clue what it meant - but I took everything out, just in case.... (breasts, ovaries)...

I have the VUS also, have to look up whether it was on BRCA 1 or 2. Onc recommended other family members be tested, so my dad was tested and HE HAD THE EXACT SAME mutation- my cousin also had BC and should get tested but I feel like she would freak out if I brought it up- it would be of benefit for her two sisters to know I believe-

also my brother should be tested but the same thing there- I think it would be upsetting to him for me to bring it up-

this really bothers me because my brother's wife's mother died of BC- and his daughter, my niece, could be at higher risk due to that family history ... my sister-in-law did ask about it but never followed up--

it also would help me to know regarding my remaining "good" breast ...