1
|
Lebhar J, Jacobs J, Rundle C, Kaplan SJ, Mosca PJ. Skin cancers arising within tattoos: A systematic review. JAAD Int 2024; 16:133-143. [PMID: 38957835 PMCID: PMC11217691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdin.2024.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tattooing is a widespread practice and has increased in popularity over time. Many lesions have been described in relation to tattoos, including malignant tumors. Objectives The primary goal of this review is to determine whether the frequency of published cases of skin cancers within tattoos has been increasing over time. Methods Our review is in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and reporting criteria. The databases MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase via Elsevier, and Scopus via Elsevier were searched from inception to February 23, 2023. No data or publication date limits were imposed. Results Our review identified 160 cases of cutaneous tumors arising within tattoos. An increase in published cases over time was observed. Most reported tumors developed within red tattoo pigment (36.9%), with the largest contribution by squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthoma lesions. Limitations There was a lack of consistency of information in published case reports which limited the scope of our analysis. Small sample size was also a limitation of this review. Conclusions With the increased popularity of tattoos, it is helpful to continue reporting cases of cutaneous malignancies within tattoos. Awareness of the frequency and severity of tumors within tattoos may be communicated to the public.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Lebhar
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Chandler Rundle
- Department of Dermatology, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Samantha J. Kaplan
- Duke University Medical Center Library & Archives, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Paul J. Mosca
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Duke University Health System, Durham, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rogowska P, Sobjanek M, Szczerkowska-Dobosz A, Nowicki RJ, Sławińska M. Difficulties in the dermoscopic assessment of tattooed skin: Comment on 'Could wide tattoo delay the early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma?'. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2023; 37:e1119-e1120. [PMID: 37114360 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Rogowska
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michał Sobjanek
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Aneta Szczerkowska-Dobosz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Roman J Nowicki
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Martyna Sławińska
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cutaneous Malignancies in Tattoos, a Case Series of Six Patients. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:4721-4737. [PMID: 34898571 PMCID: PMC8628776 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28060398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: A variety of side effects following the tattooing of the skin were reported over the years. Analytical studies showed that some tattoo inks contain harmful compounds. Methods: We presented six patient cases with cutaneous malignancies in tattooed skin and performed an extensive literature research. Results: Two patients with black ink tattoos that were diagnosed with malignant melanoma raises the number of described cases to 36 patients. One of the patients developed an immunologic reaction limited to the tattoo area after treatment with a targeted immune therapy. In the other patient, the malignancy (malignant melanoma) was fatal. Basal cell carcinoma was seen in four patients with tattoos containing varying ink colors (black, green, red). This increased the number of described patient cases to 18. Although some ink components and their cleavage products have carcinogenic properties, epidemiological evidence for a causative correlation fails. Further epidemiologic studies on tattoos and malignancies, as well as on the appearance of naevi in tattoos, are necessary. Determining the type of mutation might be helpful to separate sun-induced tumors from skin cancers due to other pathogenic mechanisms.
Collapse
|
4
|
Cherkaoui El Baraka F, Kluger N, Ollivier I, Bourgoin R, Grossin M, Zeboulon C, Phan C, Sin C, Mahé E. [Melanoma within tattoos: Two cases and a systematic literature review]. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2020; 147:285-292. [PMID: 31812363 DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2019.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been reports of malignant melanoma arising within tattoos. However, there is no clear relationship between tattoos and the development of cutaneous malignancies. We report two new cases of melanoma and provide a review of cases of melanoma reported in the medical literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS Case No. 1: a 61-year-old patient consulted following the appearance one year ago of a nodular lesion measuring 4.5×3cm on a blue and red tattoo on his back. Complete excision of the lesion with histological analysis revealed an ulcerated nodular melanoma with a Breslow depth of 7mm. No secondary sites were found. Case No. 2: a 39-year-old patient with a blue tattoo on his left arm consulted following the appearance of a pigmented lesion a few months earlier. Surgical excision was immediately performed, confirming the diagnosis of SSM, with a Breslow depth of 0.9mm. There was no sign of relapse 9 years later. DISCUSSION In our systematic review we noted 34 cases of melanoma occurring in tattoos. There was a high male prevalence (90.3%) and a relatively young mean age (45.9 years). Most tattoos were monochrome (71.0%). The average time between tattooing and onset of melanoma was 13.2 years. The most common sites of melanoma were the upper limbs (53.1%) and trunk (34.4%). Mean tumor size was 11.6mm. Histologic examination revealed 2 cases of melanoma in situ, and in 13 cases, the Breslow depth was 1mm or less. In 5 cases, macroscopic or microscopic lymph node metastasis (sentinel lymph node) was found at diagnosis, and in one case, in transit skin metastases were also observed at the time of diagnosis. We discuss the hypothetical pathogenic role of tattoos in melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Cherkaoui El Baraka
- Service de dermatologie, hôpital Victor Dupouy, 69, rue du Lieutenant-Colonel Prud'hon, 95100 Argenteuil, France
| | - N Kluger
- Departments of dermatology, allergology and venereology, university of Helsinki, Helsinki university central hospital, Meilahdentie 2, PO Box 160, 00029 Helsinki, Finlande; Service de dermatologie, hôpitaux universitaires Paris-Nord-Val-de-Seine, hôpital Bichat-Claude-Bernard, 46, rue Henri-Huchard, 75018 Paris, France
| | - I Ollivier
- Cabinet privé, 34, place des Lices, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - R Bourgoin
- Service d'anatomopathologie, hôpital Victor Dupouy, 69, rue du Lieutenant-Colonel Prud'hon, 95100 Argenteuil, France
| | - M Grossin
- Service d'anatomopathologie, hôpital Victor Dupouy, 69, rue du Lieutenant-Colonel Prud'hon, 95100 Argenteuil, France
| | - C Zeboulon
- Service de dermatologie, hôpital Victor Dupouy, 69, rue du Lieutenant-Colonel Prud'hon, 95100 Argenteuil, France
| | - C Phan
- Service de dermatologie, hôpital Victor Dupouy, 69, rue du Lieutenant-Colonel Prud'hon, 95100 Argenteuil, France
| | - C Sin
- Service de dermatologie, hôpital Victor Dupouy, 69, rue du Lieutenant-Colonel Prud'hon, 95100 Argenteuil, France
| | - E Mahé
- Service de dermatologie, hôpital Victor Dupouy, 69, rue du Lieutenant-Colonel Prud'hon, 95100 Argenteuil, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Armengot-Carbó M, Barrado-Solís N, Martínez-Lahuerta C, Gimeno-Carpio E. Melanomas Arising on Tattoos: A Casual Association with Practical Implications. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adengl.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
6
|
Melanomas Arising on Tattoos: A Casual Association with Practical Implications. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2017; 108:678-680. [PMID: 28388987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2016.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
7
|
Ayanlowo OO, Gold-Olufadi SA, Akinkugbe AO, Otrofanowei E, Nga CN, Olumide YM. Growing trend of tattooing and its complications in Nigeria. Int J Dermatol 2017; 56:709-714. [PMID: 28138959 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.13521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tattoo, a Polynesian word meaning 'to mark', is a form of body modification done by inserting indelible ink into the dermis to change its pigmentation. Tattoos are done for social, cultural, and religious purposes. It has been in existence since the 18th century and was associated with sailors, lower class individuals, and criminals. However, since the late 20th century, tattooing has undergone a redefinition and shifted to an acceptable form of expression all over the world, including Nigeria, cutting across almost all age groups and socioeconomic class. This review is aimed at highlighting the indication, complications arising from the procedure as well as removal, and how to manage them. The dermatological complications associated with tattoos can occur either during inking or attempts at removal. Most times, tattoos are obtained through unsafe means by unauthorized personnel, and this is associated with numerous health risks. Of particular importance to the dermatologists are the hypersensitivity reactions, granulomatous skin disease, and formation of both keloid and hypertrophic scars. Treatment options vary and include use of silicone gel and intralesional steroids for hypertrophic and keloid scars, topical medication for hyperpigmentation, and use of LASER for tattoo removal. In conclusion, the trend of tattooing has become a widely accepted form of social expression all over the world and is gradually gaining ground in Nigeria. Patients frequently present to the dermatologists and physicians for solutions to the complications. It is important to proffer solutions and educate patients on the various health risks associated with tattooing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olusola O Ayanlowo
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Ayesha O Akinkugbe
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Erere Otrofanowei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Charles N Nga
- Department of Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa-Ibom, Nigeria
| | - Yetunde M Olumide
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Caccavale S, Moscarella E, De Fata Salvatores G, Piccolo V, Russo T, Argenziano G. When a melanoma is uncovered by a tattoo. Int J Dermatol 2015; 55:79-80. [PMID: 26518737 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elvira Moscarella
- Skin Cancer Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | | | - Teresa Russo
- Dermatology Unit, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|