Tattoo pigment in two lymph nodes in a patient with melanoma

Gallego, Elena; Alegre, V.; García-Melgares, ML; Laguna, C.; Martín, Blanca Garrido; Jl, Sánchez; Oliver, V.

doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2007.02112.x

Cited by 24 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…By light microscopy we observed large aggregates of pigment in the skin and lymph nodes in accordance with the literature [6][7][8][9]21] . Light microscopy includes a much larger tissue sample and section thickness but this method is limited by inadequate resolution and only allows larger aggregates of pigments to be visualized.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 71%

“…The systemic absorption of tattoo pigments from the dermis involves distribution to the rest of the human body with any internal organ in principle being exposed. It is well known that transportation via the lymphatics leads to deposition in the regional lymph nodes, which appear efficient in holding back particles [6][7][8][9] . Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of pigments and ingredients of tattoo inks are still largely unexplored.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Tattoo Pigments Are Observed in the Kupffer Cells of the Liver Indicating Blood-Borne Distribution of Tattoo Ink

et al. 2017

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Aim: Tattoo pigments are deposited in the skin and known to distribute to regional lymph nodes. Tattoo pigments are small particles and may be hypothesized to reach the blood stream and become distributed to peripheral organs. This has not been studied in the past. The aim of the study was to trace tattoo pigments in internal organs in mice extensively tattooed with 2 different tattoo ink products. Material/Methods: Three groups of mice were studied, i.e., 10 tattooed black, 10 tattooed red, and 5 untreated controls. They were tattooed on the entire back with commercial tattoo inks, black and red. Mice were sacrificed after 1 year. Samples were isolated from tattooed skin, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, kidney, and lung. Samples were examined for deposits of tattoo pigments by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: TEM identified intracellular tattoo pigments in the skin and in lymph nodes. TEM in both groups of tattooed mice showed tattoo pigment deposits in the Kupffer cells in the liver, which is a new observation. TEM detected no pigment in other internal organs. Light microscopy showed dense pigment in the skin and in lymph nodes but not in internal organs. Conclusion: The study demonstrated black and red tattoo pigment deposits in the liver; thus, tattoo pigment distributed from the tattooed skin via the blood stream to this important organ of detoxification. The finding adds a new dimension to tattoo pigment distribution in the body, i.e., as observed via the blood in addition to the lymphatic pathway.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 71%

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confidence: 99%

Tattoo Pigments Are Observed in the Kupffer Cells of the Liver Indicating Blood-Borne Distribution of Tattoo Ink

et al. 2017

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“…Histopathologically, macrophages laden with tattoo pigment can appear similar to areas of regression in melanoma . 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 …”

Section: Tattoos and Neoplasmsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The histopathologic spectrum of decorative tattoo complications

et al. 2012

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Tattooing for ornamental purposes is an ancient practice that remains popular in modern times. Tattoos are encountered by the dermatopathologist either as incidental findings on skin biopsies or because of complications specific to the tattoo. A range of neoplasms and inflammatory conditions are seen in association with tattoos, many of which may be attributed to hypersensitivity to tattoo inks. The composition of tattoo inks is highly variable, and inks can contain numerous potentially allergenic or carcinogenic compounds. Infections with bacterial, viral and fungal species can occur after tattooing, sometimes after substantial delay. Atypical mycobacterial infections in particular are increasingly reported; special stains for mycobacteria should be performed and cultures recommended particularly when dense, mixed or granulomatous infiltrates are present.

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“…Using in vivo confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography and PET scanning the drift of pigment can be visualized (9–11). The pigment can spread locally to adjacent skin or mucosa, and tattoo pigment has been found in lymph nodes of melanoma patients simulating metastasis and suggesting that it may wander widely in the body (12–14). Although Dr Engel and her co‐workers did not utilize the mouse model used to study this phenomenon further in this study there is no doubt that the model is appropriate and can answer many more questions about the wandering of the pigment over time, as well as giving more precise estimates of the absolute amounts of pigment or its metabolites.…”

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confidence: 99%

Comment on: Tattooing of skin results in transportation and light‐induced decomposition of tattoo pigments

Jemec¹

2009

Experimental Dermatology

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Decorative tattoos have become a common feature of many societies. Their popularity appears mainly driven by fashion, and scant attention has been paid to any associated risk. The risks can be associated either with the tattooees' proclivity for risk taking in general, or with the substances used in the tattoos. It is well established that tattoo pigments wander widely in the body after they have been injected, and research now suggests that azo pigments may become mutagenic after exposure to either natural light or laser light. This may not only affect the risk profile of tattoos themselves, but also tattoo removal using lasers.

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Tattoo pigment in two lymph nodes in a patient with melanoma

Cited by 24 publications

References 6 publications

Tattoo Pigments Are Observed in the Kupffer Cells of the Liver Indicating Blood-Borne Distribution of Tattoo Ink

Tattoo Pigments Are Observed in the Kupffer Cells of the Liver Indicating Blood-Borne Distribution of Tattoo Ink

The histopathologic spectrum of decorative tattoo complications

Comment on: Tattooing of skin results in transportation and light‐induced decomposition of tattoo pigments

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