Skin cancers arising within tattoos: A systematic review

Jamie Lebhar · Jennifer Jacobs · Chandler W. Rundle · Samantha J Kaplan · Paul J. Mosca

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Tattoo and Body Piercing Complications Cutaneous Melanoma Detection and Management Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies

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.

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References

2012Tattoos, inks, and cancer 2015Epidemiology of Tattoos in Industrialized Countries 2007Photochemical cleavage of a tattoo pigment by UVB radiation or natural sunlight 2011Black tattoo inks are a source of problematic substances such as dibutyl phthalate 2007Keratoacanthoma occurring within the red dye of a tattoo 2006Malignant melanoma in a tattoo: case report and review of the literature 2021Complications of tattoos and permanent makeup: overview and analysis of 308 cases 2007Eruptive squamous cell carcinomas, keratoacanthoma type, arising in a multicolor tattoo

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