Melanoma mimicry on a tattoo: An autograft hypothesis

The histopathologic spectrum of decorative tattoo complications

“…Melanoma can develop within tattoos, and clinical recognition can be made more difficult by the presence of surrounding tattooed areas that can mimic melanin pigment. The clinical appearance of otherwise benign nevi can be altered by tattoos, introducing scar‐like areas and irregular pigment patterns reminiscent of melanoma on dermatoscopic exam . Histopathologically, macrophages laden with tattoo pigment can appear similar to areas of regression in melanoma .…”

“…The clinical appearance of otherwise benign nevi can be altered by tattoos, introducing scar-like areas and irregular pigment patterns reminiscent of melanoma on dermatoscopic exam. 26 Histopathologically, macrophages laden with tattoo pigment can appear similar to areas of regression in melanoma. 27 Tattoo pigment is taken up by dermal macrophages and delivered to draining lymph nodes, potentially misleading surgeons and pathologists in the analysis of sentinel lymph nodes.…”

Melanoma and melanocytic nevi in decorative tattoos: three case reports

“…Accordingly, it is perhaps to be expected that dermatologists and pathologists in the future may have to deal with increasing numbers of melanocytic lesions occurring in association with tattoos. To date, the correlation between melanocytic nevi and tattoos has not been studied 16,17 …”

Histopathological aspects of unusual skin tumors with clinical correlations

“…To date the correlation of nevi and tattoos has not been studied 39,40 . Furthermore one must also consider that tattooing causes problems in the assessment of a sentinel node biopsy in a patient with malignant melanoma.…”

“…Dermatologists and histopathologists must be aware that the tattoo pigment can disguise changes in preexisting nevi when making clinical and histopathological diagnosis in these cases. To date the correlation of nevi and tattoos has not been studied 39,40 .…”