Vitiligo and melanoma: Can genetically abnormal melanocytes result in both vitiligo and melanoma within a single family?

Abstract

We found twelve families with melanoma who had close family members with halo nevi, early graying of hair, a halo primary melanoma, or ordinary vitiligo. On the basis of these findings and the observation of others in fish, horses, and pigs with melanomas, we suggest that the melanocytes of people with vitiligo or with a genetic background for vitiligo are predisposed to undergo a malignant transformation. The presence of vitiligo appears as a manifestation of host suppression of malignant melanocytes.