The habit of getting permanent tattoos is rapidly increasing in our country, as it is all over the world. This increase is even higher among women. Of course, like anyone else, those with tattoos can develop certain cancers in later years. However, other systemic cancers—aside from undesirable skin conditions—have rarely been thought to be related to tattoos, and little serious research had been done on this subject until recently.

How is a Tattoo Done?

A tattoo is created by depositing dye droplets into the layer of the skin called the dermis. Dyes that form primary colors—such as black, red, and blue—as well as other shades, are mixed with liquids like alcohol or water and applied via microinjections.

Substances Contained in Tattoo Dyes

Some dyes contain metals and chemicals that have the potential to cause cancer. The primary culprits are cadmium, arsenic, and cobalt. Over the years, very small particles of these and similar foreign bodies migrate deeper, eventually reaching the lymphatic system and remaining for life in the small “filter rooms” known as lymph nodes.

Inspection of Tattoo Dyes

In some developed countries, the use of substances known to be harmful is prohibited in dyes. However, it is often impossible to know which dyes a specific tattoo business uses, as a significant portion of these establishments are not adequately inspected by authorized institutions. Consequently, it is unknown whether reliable substances are being used in local tattoo businesses. It is a fact, however, that even dyes theoretically thought to be “safe” accumulate in the lymph nodes. The real concern is what the long-term effects of these accumulated substances might be.

Cancer Risk in People with Tattoos

Studies in Sweden and Denmark have indicated that a type of lymph cancer called lymphoma is more common in people with tattoos. This risk was found to be higher in individuals with large areas of tattooed skin. On the other hand, no significant increase in the incidence of skin cancer due to tattooing has been detected thus far. Additionally, while the risk of lymphoma may increase with tattoos, the overall risk of cancer from smoking, prolonged sun exposure, and common industrial chemicals remains much higher than the risk posed by tattooing.

Can Cancer Risk from Tattooing Be Reduced?

In smokers, the risk of cancer is reduced when they quit early. However, the situation is different with tattoos. When a tattoo is removed via laser, the dyes do not disappear; they are simply broken down into smaller particles. These particles are then carried by the lymphatic system to the lymph nodes, making them invisible to the eye but still present in the body. Theoretically, this could actually increase the risk as the accumulation in the lymph nodes grows. While surgically removing a tattoo prevents new particles from being carried to the nodes, the risk of lymphoma from particles already deposited in the lymphatic system persists.

Conclusion

Tattooing is a growing trend. If you choose to get a tattoo, your best course of action is to investigate whether the studio uses certified, safe dyes—though this is not always an easy task. Once you are tattooed, the potential risk of lymphoma remains even if the tattoo is later removed or surgically excised. Fortunately, the documented risk from tattoos is still quite low compared to other major carcinogenic factors.