Metastatic melanoma and vitiligo: a case report.

Different clinical studies report the connection between malignant melanoma (MM) and vitiligo, as the etiology of both diseases evolves around melanocytes. A case is presented of a 70-year-old female patient with metastatic MM in lymphatic node of the right groin, which developed simultaneously with the "vitiligo-like patches" over the face and extremities. Some authors suggest that the appearance of depigmentation during the course of MM might be considered a good prognostic sign. However, our patient subsequently developed multiple lung metastases as well as metastases in lymphatic nodes of the other groin region. This case shows that MM and vitiligo may develop simultaneously, indicating the possibility of similar mechanisms in the destruction of both benign and malignant melanocytes.