What should you know about vitiligo and melanoma?

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which pigment-producing cells are damaged, creating lighter patches. Melanoma begins in pigment-producing cells and may look like a changing mole, a new dark spot, or an unusual pink or skin-coloured lesion. Vitiligo does not turn every light patch into cancer, and a melanoma is not identified by colour alone. Loss of pigment around a mole can occur for several reasons, so examination is needed rather than self-diagnosis. A dermatologist may inspect the whole skin surface and decide whether a biopsy is appropriate.

Use sun protection on depigmented and normally pigmented skin, and check for new or changing lesions in good light. Record changes in size, shape, colour, border, bleeding, or symptoms, without repeatedly picking or rubbing the area. If melanoma is suspected, care may include Skin Cancer Surgery, Surgical Excision, or Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy depending on the examination and staging. Do not delay review while trying to treat a patch as vitiligo.

Book a prompt dermatology appointment for a new lesion or a mole that changes, bleeds, crusts, becomes painful, or develops an irregular border. Seek urgent medical help for severe symptoms linked to advanced cancer, such as new neurological problems. Confirmed melanoma requires specialist planning; treatments may include Immunotherapy and structured Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment.

Ask whether the appearance fits vitiligo, whether the lesion needs dermoscopy or biopsy, and how to protect depigmented skin. If melanoma is diagnosed, ask about its stage, the reason for each procedure, treatment choices, and how follow-up will be organised.