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Tattoos can cause cancer: a type of lymphoma

The discovery that tattoos may increase the risk of lymphoma underscores the need for more research in this area and raises important questions about the long-term safety of tattoos....
Author: Patricia Alegsa
28-05-2024 14:32







  1. Methodology and findings of the scientific study
  2. Deepening into the results
  3. Biological Mechanisms
  4. Implications for Public Health
  5. Popularity and Risks of Tattoos
  6. Medical recommendations

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The art of tattoos has gained popularity worldwide, with growing social and cultural acceptance.

However, a recent study conducted by researchers from Lund University in Sweden has raised serious concerns about the potential health risks associated with this practice.

Published on May 21 in the eClinicalMedicine journal, the study found that tattoos could increase the risk of developing lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.




Methodology and findings of the scientific study




The team from Lund University analyzed a total of 11,905 participants, of whom 2,938 had lymphoma, and whose ages ranged from 20 to 60 years.

These individuals responded to a detailed questionnaire about their tattoos, including aspects such as the number of tattoos, the time since their first tattoo, and their location on the body.

What was discovered was alarming: people with tattoos had a 21% higher risk of developing lymphoma compared to those without tattoos.

This risk seemed to increase even more in those individuals who had gotten their first tattoo in the previous two years, suggesting a direct and immediate relationship.




Deepening into the results




One of the most intriguing findings was that the extension or size of the tattoo did not seem to influence the increased risk.

This challenges the common assumption that the amount of ink could directly correlate with health risks.

The most common subtypes of lymphoma in the study were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma, both known to affect white blood cells and significantly compromise the immune system.




Biological Mechanisms




Doctor Christel Nielsen, the study's lead author, pointed out that when tattoo ink is injected into the skin, the body recognizes it as a foreign substance, thus activating the immune system.

A significant portion of this ink is transported from the skin to the lymph nodes, where it accumulates. This immune response could be one of the factors that increase the risk of developing lymphoma.

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Implications for Public Health




This study adds to a growing body of research exploring the long-term effects of tattoos on health.

The Mayo Clinic has reported that tattoos can make the skin more susceptible to infections by breaking the skin barrier.

Additionally, some people may experience allergic reactions to the inks used, and there are cases where tattoos can interfere with the quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images.

Other less serious complications include the formation of granulomas or small bumps around ink particles, and the development of exaggerated scar tissue known as keloids.




Popularity and Risks of Tattoos




Tattoos have clearly made an indelible mark on our society. According to the Pew Research Center, in August 2023, it reported that 32% of adults have at least one tattoo, and 22% of these individuals have more than one.

However, considering the emerging evidence on potential risks, it is crucial that people have all the possible information to make informed decisions about their health.




Medical recommendations




While lymphoma is a relatively rare disease, the findings of this study should be taken seriously.

Individuals considering getting a tattoo should be aware of these findings and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.

If someone already has tattoos and experiences concerning symptoms, they should seek medical advice to evaluate any possible relationship.

The discovery that tattoos may increase the risk of lymphoma underscores the need for further research in this area and raises important questions about the long-term safety of tattoos.

As a society, we must balance individual expression with protecting public health and ensure that common practices are as safe as possible.

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I have been writing horoscope and self-help articles professionally for over 20 years.

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