In a recent study published in the journal eClinicalMedicine , researchers determined the relationship between tattoo ink exposure and malignant lymphoma and lymphoma subtype risk. Study: Tattoos as a risk factor for malignant lymphoma: a population-based case–control study . Image Credit: Charcompix / Shutterstock Tattoos have recently gained popularity, although their long-term health repercussions are unknown.
Tattoo ink includes carcinogenic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), primary aromatic amines (PAA), and metals. Tattoo inks elicit an immune reaction, resulting in the migration of tattoo inks from injection sites. Although the presence of tattoo pigments within lymph nodes is proven, their long-term consequences on health are unknown.
The global growth in malignant lymphoma incidence is unexplained, and it is critical to discover any link to lifestyle variables. Lymph nodes contain growing cells and are vulnerable to carcinogenic substances. Studies associate exposure to solvents, flame retardants, pesticides, and hair dyes with immunologic disturbance, which plays a role in malignant lymphoma development.
In the present population-level study, researchers investigated tattoos as a risk factor for lymphoma. They also evaluated exposure-response connections and the effect of exposure length, considering the interval between the first tattoo and the index year (year of lymphoma diagnosis). The researchers analyzed Swedish National Authority Re.
