MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Safe to get a tattoo?
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Safe to get a tattoo?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Safe to get a tattoo?

  • Post
    • September 17, 2012 at 12:53 pm
    mlbjab
    Participant

      I've was diagnosed with early stage melanoma years ago.  I only needed wide excision.  I am considering getting a tattoo.  Are tattoos safe for melanoma survivors?

      I've was diagnosed with early stage melanoma years ago.  I only needed wide excision.  I am considering getting a tattoo.  Are tattoos safe for melanoma survivors?

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • September 17, 2012 at 1:06 pm
        Webbie73
        Participant
          It seems that would be your decision. For me I could not “dye” my skin for fear of not seeing any new changes.
          • September 17, 2012 at 1:06 pm
          Webbie73
          Participant
            It seems that would be your decision. For me I could not “dye” my skin for fear of not seeing any new changes.
            • September 17, 2012 at 1:06 pm
            Webbie73
            Participant
              It seems that would be your decision. For me I could not “dye” my skin for fear of not seeing any new changes.
              • September 17, 2012 at 3:51 pm
              Janner
              Participant

                Tattoos have two negative issues in relationship to melanoma.  1.  They cover skin so as the other poster noted, skin changes can't be seen.  2.  The second and not so obvious scenario is they can actually "dye" cells in the lymph nodes.  Tattoos can make doing a SNB more difficult as the dye can basically make a normal looking lymph node "black".  I'm not sure at a cellular level whether there are any issues in doing pathology, but at a macroscopic level (naked eye view), the appearance might make the surgeon think the entire node is filled with melanoma when it is actually tattoo dye.

                • September 17, 2012 at 3:51 pm
                Janner
                Participant

                  Tattoos have two negative issues in relationship to melanoma.  1.  They cover skin so as the other poster noted, skin changes can't be seen.  2.  The second and not so obvious scenario is they can actually "dye" cells in the lymph nodes.  Tattoos can make doing a SNB more difficult as the dye can basically make a normal looking lymph node "black".  I'm not sure at a cellular level whether there are any issues in doing pathology, but at a macroscopic level (naked eye view), the appearance might make the surgeon think the entire node is filled with melanoma when it is actually tattoo dye.

                  • September 17, 2012 at 3:51 pm
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    Tattoos have two negative issues in relationship to melanoma.  1.  They cover skin so as the other poster noted, skin changes can't be seen.  2.  The second and not so obvious scenario is they can actually "dye" cells in the lymph nodes.  Tattoos can make doing a SNB more difficult as the dye can basically make a normal looking lymph node "black".  I'm not sure at a cellular level whether there are any issues in doing pathology, but at a macroscopic level (naked eye view), the appearance might make the surgeon think the entire node is filled with melanoma when it is actually tattoo dye.

                Viewing 5 reply threads
                • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                About the MRF Patient Forum

                The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                Popular Topics