No link found between skin cancer, tattoo ink

Issue: May 10, 2012

Considering there have been only 50 documented cases of squamous cell carcinoma, malignant skin melanoma, or basal cell carcinoma associated with the millions of tattoo applications made in the past 4 decades, investigators found no association, according to recent study results.

In their search through PubMed, researchers found that tattoos were associated with approximately 50 cases of skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma, 46%; melanoma, 32%; and basal cell carcinoma, 22%).

Aside from these, researchers said there have been three rare skin malignancies reported from 1 to 9 years after tattooing: two cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and one of leiomyosarcoma. The investigators said an association between tattoo ink and these malignancies was “highly speculative.”

The researchers reported that tattoo ink is unregulated worldwide. The FDA, for example, has not approved the use of any tattoo inks. Agencies in other countries also have recommended that ink be regulated to ensure that potential carcinogens are prohibited during its manufacture.

If a link exists between cutaneous cancer and tattoos, researchers said, it is probably not just the ink that is responsible. Other elements may be factors, such as the repeated puncturing of the skin inherent in the tattooing process. And whereas exposure to UV radiation is often a factor in skin cancer, tattooed individuals often avoid the sun in order to protect their tattoos. Researchers acknowledged that there have been no studies to assess sun and UV exposure for individuals with tattoos.

“With … millions of tattooed individuals worldwide, the number of cases remains at the level of background noise,” researchers said. “So far, this association has to be considered as coincidental.”

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.

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Source:

Kluger N. Lancet Oncol. 2012;13:e161-e168.