Can tattoos increase the risk of lymphoma?

Tattoos and Lymphoma Risk

Based on the most recent evidence, tattoos may be associated with an increased risk of lymphoma, particularly with larger tattoo sizes and longer exposure duration. 1, 2

Evidence on Tattoo-Related Cancer Risk

• The most recent epidemiological data from a 2024 Swedish population-based case-control study found that tattooed individuals had a 21% higher adjusted risk of overall lymphoma compared to non-tattooed individuals 1
• A 2025 Danish twin study demonstrated an increased hazard of lymphoma among individuals with tattoos larger than the palm of a hand (HR = 2.73,95% CI: 1.33-5.60) 2
• A 2024 Utah-based case-control study found suggestive evidence of increased risk for certain hematologic cancer subtypes, particularly with tattoos received 10+ years prior 3

Mechanisms of Potential Risk

• Tattoo ink contains various chemicals that may be carcinogenic, including:

  • Primary aromatic amines
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
  • Heavy metals 4

• Approximately 60-90% of injected tattoo pigment is transported to lymph nodes and other organs (liver, spleen, lung) through the lymphatic and circulatory systems 4

• The tattooing process triggers an immunologic response that causes translocation of tattoo ink from the injection site 1

• Chronic inflammation at tattoo pigment deposit sites may increase the risk of abnormal cell proliferation 2

Risk Patterns

• The risk of lymphoma appears highest in two timeframes:

  1. Less than two years after receiving a first tattoo (IRR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.03-3.20)
  2. Eleven or more years after receiving a first tattoo (IRR = 1.19; 95% CI 0.94-1.50) 1

• Specific lymphoma subtypes showing elevated risk include:

  • Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (IRR 1.30; 95% CI 0.99-1.71)
  • Follicular lymphoma (IRR 1.29; 95% CI 0.92-1.82) 1

Other Health Considerations with Tattoos

• Tattoos can cause various adverse reactions beyond potential cancer risk:

  • Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
  • Allergic reactions (especially to red, blue, and green pigments)
  • Inflammatory responses
  • Granulomatous changes 4, 5

• Bloodborne pathogen transmission remains a concern, including:

  • Hepatitis B and C
  • HIV 5, 6

Practical Recommendations

• Individuals considering tattoos should be informed about:

  • The potential increased risk of lymphoma and skin cancers, especially with larger tattoos 1, 2
  • The importance of choosing licensed tattoo parlors to reduce infection risk 5
  • The composition of tattoo inks, which may contain carcinogenic substances 4

• Those with existing tattoos should:

  • Monitor for any changes in tattooed skin or unusual lymph node enlargement
  • Be particularly vigilant if tattoos are large (larger than palm of hand) 2
  • Consider the potential long-term risks, especially 10+ years after tattoo placement 1, 3

While the evidence suggests an association between tattoos and lymphoma risk, it's important to note that the absolute risk remains relatively low, and more research is needed to establish definitive causality 1, 3.