Abstract

BERNAL-MARTINEZ, A.J.; YUSTE-BENAVENTE, V.; RODRIGO-PALACIOS, J.  and  LOPEZ-CABRERA, P.. Pigmented adenopathy by tattoo ink as an accidental finding in breast surgery: case report. Cir. plást. iberolatinoam. [online]. 2015, vol.41, n.2, pp.179-182. ISSN 1989-2055.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0376-78922015000200009.

We report the finding of an axillary pigmented adenopathy during a bilateral profilactic mastectomy in a 35- year-old patient. The anatomopathologycal analysis revealed pigmentation compatible with ink inside the lymphatic node. The presence of a tattoo close to the axillary region of the patient made us identify the tattoo as the cause of the adenopathy coloration. We discuss the differential diagnosis to be considered in this cases. Around one third of the spanish population wears a tattoo, and series of autopsies show an elevated incidence of the presence of pigment in nodes adjacent to tattoos. The correct differential diagnosis with melanoma and other etiologies in tattooed patients is necessary to establish an adequate surgical indication.

Keywords : Tattoo; Pigmented adenopathy; Melanoma.

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