MALIGNANT MELANOMA AND VITILIGO

The case of vitiligo in a patient with malignant melanoma is described. A series of tests in order to elucidate the melanin formation were carried out. The conclusion of these investigation is that there is a complete absence of melanocytes in the vitiliginous areas. Taking into consideration that in some cases the depigmentation developed in connection with spontaneous or therapeutically induced regression of the metastases, the conception is forwarded by the authors that both processes are due to the destruction of melanoma cells and of melanoblasts by autoimmune mechanisms of the host. © 1969 S. Karger AG, Basel.