May 27th 2024.
A recent study has found that individuals with tattoos may have a higher likelihood of developing a rare form of cancer. Specifically, the risk of developing lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that affects the immune system, may increase by 21% in those with tattoos. This potential link was discovered by researchers at Lynd University in Sweden, who were interested in exploring the long-term effects of tattoos on overall health. They noted that there is currently a lack of academic knowledge in this area.
Dr. Christel Nielsen, who led the study, emphasized that it is important to keep in mind that lymphoma is a rare disease and the results of this study are not applicable to every individual. She explained, "Our findings must be looked at on a group level and further research is needed to confirm and delve deeper into this connection." The researchers looked at a group of 11,905 people, of which 2,938 had a lymphoma diagnosis. They found that 21% of those with lymphoma had tattoos, compared to 18% of the control group without a lymphoma diagnosis.
Interestingly, the size of the tattoo did not seem to have an impact on the risk of developing lymphoma. This means that having a full-body tattoo does not increase the risk any more than having a smaller tattoo. The most common subtypes of lymphoma found in the study were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma. The average age of those diagnosed ranged from 51 to 57 years, with the exception of Hodgkin lymphoma, where the average age was 36.
Lymphoma can present itself in various ways, but one common symptom is swollen lymph nodes in areas such as the neck, armpit, and groin. Other general symptoms include heavy night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Itching of the skin all over the body that does not go away may also be a sign of lymphoma. In some cases of Hodgkin lymphoma, swollen lymph nodes may become tender after consuming alcohol.
The researchers noted that they are unsure of the exact reason for the potential connection between tattoos and lymphoma. Dr. Nielsen suggested that it could be due to a low-grade inflammation triggered by the tattoo, which in turn may lead to cancer. She explained, "When the ink is injected into the skin, the body sees it as a foreign object and activates the immune system. This can lead to the ink being transported to the lymph nodes, where it can accumulate."
Further research is needed to fully understand this potential connection and to investigate any other associations between tattoos and different types of cancer. This study was published in the Journal of eClinicalMedicine and has shed light on a previously unknown area of tattoo health effects. The researchers hope that their findings will encourage further exploration and understanding of the potential risks associated with tattoos.
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