Vitiligo – from “cosmetic defect” to possible strength
Vitiligo – från “kosmetiskt fel” till möjlig styrka

Vitiligo means that the immune system attacks the skin's pigment cells. However, several new studies show that the same immune response can act as an additional protection against cancer – both in the skin and in the body's internal organs.

1. The immune system is constantly on guard

A recent single-cell analysis compared skin with vitiligo and malignant melanoma cell by cell. In vitiligo, the signaling molecule interferon-γ and the decoy molecules CXCL9/10 dominated, attracting “killer cells” that kill both pigment cells and potential tumor cells [2].

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2. Less risk of skin cancer

Basal cell carcinoma – Two patient cases showed that new basal cell carcinomas stopped appearing after vitiligo onset [1].

Melanoma and other skin cancers – A systematic review of 22 studies found no increased, rather a slightly lower risk of skin cancer in vitiligo patients [3].

3. Lower risk of internal cancer

A Korean registry study of over 100,000 people with vitiligo showed a 14% lower overall cancer risk; most clearly for the colon, ovary and lung [4].

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Why do we call it a “defect” when nature is full of blemishes?

Dalmatians, Australian Shepherds and piebald horses are popular precisely for their contrasting spots. Biologically, pigment variation is normal and usually harmless – in both animals and humans. The fact that vitiligo is still considered deviant is more about cultural beauty standards than health.

References

Rooker A, Bekkenk MW, Jaspars EH, Luiten RM, Bakker WJ. Vitiligo-associated protection against basal cell carcinoma: Clinical observations. JAAD Case Reports. 2025;59:155-158. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2025.01.041.

Yu Y, Wang Y, Lu J, et al. A Comparative
Analysis Dissecting the Immune Landscape of Vitiligo and Melanoma from a Single-Cell Perspective: Two Sides of the Same Coin? Inflammation. 2025. doi:10.1007/s10753-025-02332-2.

Ban L, Labbouz S, Grindlay DJC, Batchelor JM, Ratib S. Risk of skin cancer in people with vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Dermatol. 2018;179(4):971-972. doi:10.1111/bjd.16703.

Bae JM, Chung KY, Yun SJ, et al. Markedly Reduced Risk of Internal Malignancies in Patients With Vitiligo: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study. J Clin Oncol. 2019;37(11):903-911. doi:10.1200/JCO.18.01223.

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