title: Melanoma and melanocytic nevi in decorative tattoos: three case reports.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In response to the demands of style and fashion, the number of decorative tattoos has been increasing worldwide. This has been paralleled by a rising incidence of melanocytic proliferations, including melanoma. The coincidence of various dermatological diseases and skin tumors with tattoos has been documented with some frequency, but reports of melanoma associated with tattoos are exceedingly rare. To date, only 13 cases have been documented in the English language literature. The possibility of an association between melanocytic proliferations and tattoos remains an area for further study.
  
  
  METHODS
  This report presents two cases of melanocytic nevi and one of melanoma occurring in association with a decorative tattoos.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At present, the pathogenesis of melanoma developing in a tattoo is unknown. Mere coincidence cannot be ruled out. However, trauma, ultraviolet light exposure, a photoallergic effect, or an inflammatory reaction may promote malignant transformation. Clinicians and histopathologists should be aware of the clinical and pathological features if they are to make a correct diagnosis.
authors: Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary. varga.erika@med.u-szeged.hu
authors: Erika
authors: E
authors: Varga
authors: Irma
authors: I
authors: Korom
authors: János
authors: J
authors: Varga
authors: József
authors: J
authors: Kohán
authors: Lajos
authors: L
authors: Kemény
authors: Judit
authors: J
authors: Oláh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects*