Paprottka FJ, Krezdorn N, Narwan M, Turk M, Sorg H, Noah EM, Hebebrand D. Trendy Tattoos-Maybe a Serious Health Risk?
Aesthetic Plast Surg 2018;
42:310-321. [PMID:
29124377 DOI:
10.1007/s00266-017-1002-0]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The literature reports many cases of cutaneous malignancy in the setting of skin tattoos. In this study, we review the reported incidence of and risk factors for tattoo-associated skin cancer.
METHODS
A PubMed literature review was performed for all cases of tattoo-associated skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, keratoacanthoma, and other rare skin malignancies (source: PubMed/until June 2017).
RESULTS
The authors identified 51 publications and 63 total cases of tattoo-associated skin cancer. We also report on a single new case of tattoo-associated skin cancer observed at one of our co-authors' institutions. Among these 64 total cases, 58% were associated with black and blue inks and 34% were associated with red ink.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, while the strength of association remains unclear, the literature reports many cases of tattoo-associated skin cancer. Among these cases, black, blue, and red inks were particularly worrisome for their carcinogenic potential.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
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