Tattoos and the Risk of Malignant Lymphoma: What You Need to Know

Topline Findings

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have found that having tattoos may increase the risk of developing malignant lymphoma by approximately 20%. The study highlights concerns about the potential carcinogens present in tattoo ink and the immune response triggered by tattooing.

Study Methodology

The research, the first large-scale study of its kind, was conducted in Sweden. It included all new cases of malignant lymphoma among Swedish adults aged 20-60 years, registered in the Swedish National Cancer Register from 2007 to 2017, totaling 11,905 participants. Researchers used a structured questionnaire to assess tattoo exposure in both the lymphoma cases and in three age- and sex-matched controls without lymphoma.

Key Findings

- Prevalence of Tattoos**: 21% of those with lymphoma had tattoos, compared to 18% of the control group.
- Increased Risk**: Tattooed individuals had a 21% higher risk of developing lymphoma than those without tattoos (incidence rate ratio = 1.21; 95% CI, 0.99-1.48).
- Subgroup Analysis**: The highest risk increase was observed for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (30% higher risk, incidence rate ratio = 1.30; 95% CI, 0.99-1.71) and follicular lymphoma (29% higher risk, incidence rate ratio = 1.29; 95% CI, 0.92-1.82).
- Tattoo Area**: The study found no correlation between the risk of lymphoma and the total tattooed body surface area.

Practical Implications

The study underscores the growing popularity of tattoos, now prevalent in over 20% of Europeans. Given the findings, there is an urgent need for more epidemiological research to determine causality. In the interim, the study's authors emphasize the need for regulatory measures to control the chemical composition of tattoo inks to mitigate potential health risks.

Study Source and Limitations

This study was led by Christel Nielsen from Lund University and published in *eClinicalMedicine*. While significant, it is important to note the study's limitations, including its observational case-control design, which is less robust for establishing causality, and a relatively low questionnaire response rate of 47%-54%.

Funding and Disclosures

The Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life, and Welfare funded the study. The authors have reported no conflicts of interest.

In conclusion, while tattoos are a popular form of self-expression, this study suggests a potential health risk that warrants further investigation and stricter regulation of tattoo inks.

Source:
https://www.medscape.co.uk/viewarticle/tattoos-may-be-risk-factors-malignant-lymphoma-2024a10009sf?ecd=wnl_sci_tech_240529_MSCPEDIT_etid6551858&uac=187436AV&impID=6551858&sso=true.

May 27, 2024 | By Miriam Davis.