On the occasion of World Melanoma Day, which is commemorated on May 23, Hospiten warns of the difficulty of detecting suspicious skin cancer lesions in patients with tattoos. Although they are increasingly common and have a significant aesthetic component, tattoos can have little known health implications, including making early detection of melanomas and other skin cancers more difficult. In addition, tattoo ink often contains chemicals that can cause allergic and inflammatory reactions, and in some cases, even the development of tumors such as lymphoma.

Dr. Lucía Pimentel Villasmil, a specialist in the Dermatology Service at the Hospiten Rambla University Hospital, explains that "the initial phase of melanoma is often asymptomatic, it does not hurt or itch, and the main clue is the visible changes".

In a routine physical examination, the dermatologist looks for changes in moles, the appearance of new spots or areas that become inflamed and do not heal. "If the skin is covered by pigment, those details can go unnoticed, especially in those areas where melanoma is more frequent," he says. In some cases, melanomas can appear within the tattoo itself, which makes it challenging to distinguish whether a pigmented area is part of the design itself or if it is a new lesion that has been growing.

Also, it can mask other types of skin cancer, as well as precancerous lesions. Difficulty in detection results in a delay in diagnosis and, therefore, in the initiation of treatment, a key aspect in the prognosis of these tumors.

Recommendations

"It is essential that people with risk factors, such as family members with previous melanomas, very fair skin, a large number of moles or frequent sunburns, pay special attention. In these circumstances, the decision to get a tattoo should be evaluated by a skin specialist, considering the possible risks and benefits," the dermatologist emphasizes.

Similarly, the dermatology specialist advises extreme caution in individuals suffering from specific skin diseases, such as psoriasis, lichen planus or atopic dermatitis, as the aggression to the skin can trigger outbreaks or aggravate existing lesions.

Hospiten, in its commitment to health, launches these recommendations to raise public awareness of the importance of prevention and regular dermatological check-ups, crucial actions for early detection and the fight against skin tumors.

This article is an English translation generated with Al from the original Spanish content. While we review content for clarity, the information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be  considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment