Ink on the move: tattoo pigment resembling axillary lymph node calcifications

Clin Imaging. 2021 Nov:79:154-157. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2021.04.036. Epub 2021 Apr 29.

Abstract

High-density foci within axillary lymph nodes are associated with a number of potential diagnoses. In this case series, we present four tattooed patients who had mammographic findings that demonstrated high-density material in axillary lymph nodes, indicative of tattoo pigment migration. The aim of presenting these cases is to highlight the importance of recognizing such pigment migration in order to help breast radiologists form an appropriate differential diagnosis that might include this entity.

Keywords: Axillary lymph nodes; Breast imaging; Calcifications; Tattoo pigment.

MeSH terms

  • Axilla
  • Breast Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Calcinosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ink
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging
  • Tattooing* / adverse effects