Dear board,
I have a question regarding tattoos.
I have an opportunity to have a tattoo as part of a charity fund raising event. I have nonsecretory multiple myeloma and was diagnosed around 33 months ago. I’ve had a stem cell transplant, which gave me 15 months remission, and am now on Revlimid and dexamethasone (in my 9th cycle).
I know that excess tattoo pigment is removed by phagocytes from the dermal layer and stored and degraded in the lymph nodes. I was wondering if there was any research or agreed upon understanding of risk (if at all) for myeloma patients in having tattoos.
Any insights or experiences gratefully received,
moth
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9 posts
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Re: Tattoos and multiple myeloma
Call me old school, but we were always told that there was a risk of infection in getting a tattoo. I am sure that there are more and less sanitary tattoo "artists", and the more reputable ones are more sanitary, but bottom line, it seems to me a risk of infection that is not necessary.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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JPC - Name: JPC
Re: Tattoos and multiple myeloma
Thanks for the reply.
I already know the practitioner, and he runs a very clean practice and uses disposable needles. I'll have a test dot to see if I respond poorly.
My question is less about the chance of infection and more concerned with how the body processes and ultimately excretes the inks via the lymph nodes. What are these risk factors and could they impact on myeloma activity.
I already know the practitioner, and he runs a very clean practice and uses disposable needles. I'll have a test dot to see if I respond poorly.
My question is less about the chance of infection and more concerned with how the body processes and ultimately excretes the inks via the lymph nodes. What are these risk factors and could they impact on myeloma activity.
Re: Tattoos and multiple myeloma
If the infection risk is put to the side, there is no 'evidence based' answer to your question. So what we are left with is an educated 'guess' as to the potential risks. Mind you, most life questions are answered in this fashion, as we lack true evidence behind most of our health-based decisions.
I personally do not see any real risk related to the ink provoking the myeloma cells in some way. It is true that plasma cells react to exposures, particularly germs. However, our body is exposed to chemicals, etc., on a continuous basis, and I see no clear reason why the tattoo ink should be a particular concern.
Hope this helps.
I personally do not see any real risk related to the ink provoking the myeloma cells in some way. It is true that plasma cells react to exposures, particularly germs. However, our body is exposed to chemicals, etc., on a continuous basis, and I see no clear reason why the tattoo ink should be a particular concern.
Hope this helps.
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Dr. James Hoffman - Name: James E. Hoffman, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Tattoos and multiple myeloma
Hello.
On the 1 year anniversary of my ASCT, I got a tattoo. My thinking might be a little "different," but you only live once and I wanted to mark the anniversary of my transplant. All my numbers were good and I was feeling great. In Massachusetts, the tattoo businesses are licensed. I checked the town records and there were no complaints or issues with the business. Equipment was sterilized and single use inks and needles were used. I enjoy my tattoo as it reminds me to live to the fullest.
All the best,
A 60 year old woman.
On the 1 year anniversary of my ASCT, I got a tattoo. My thinking might be a little "different," but you only live once and I wanted to mark the anniversary of my transplant. All my numbers were good and I was feeling great. In Massachusetts, the tattoo businesses are licensed. I checked the town records and there were no complaints or issues with the business. Equipment was sterilized and single use inks and needles were used. I enjoy my tattoo as it reminds me to live to the fullest.
All the best,
A 60 year old woman.
- Attachments
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- Morning glories for my mother and the bee for me.
- Beckys_Tattoo_one_year_Anniversary_ASCT.jpg (40.36 KiB) Viewed 4409 times
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lattecat - When were you/they diagnosed?: 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Tattoos and multiple myeloma
Beautiful tat!! I love your attitude. My tattoo doesn't commemorate anything other than that I was still alive 5 years from diagnosis. Next year will be 10 years. I haven't decided what tat I'll get for that yet.
Be well,
Phil
Be well,
Phil
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Phil Kur
Re: Tattoos and multiple myeloma
Hi,
I'm also wondering if getting a tattoo is advisable if you have multiple myeloma.
I have several tattoos from various stages of my life before I was diagnosed. I would like to get another one or two.
I have had a stem cell transplant in October last year and have returned to work. The only treatment I receive is pain killers for neuropathy and Zometa once a month.
I keep forgetting to as my consultant about this when I visit the ward!
Thanks in advance for any help!
I'm also wondering if getting a tattoo is advisable if you have multiple myeloma.
I have several tattoos from various stages of my life before I was diagnosed. I would like to get another one or two.
I have had a stem cell transplant in October last year and have returned to work. The only treatment I receive is pain killers for neuropathy and Zometa once a month.
I keep forgetting to as my consultant about this when I visit the ward!
Thanks in advance for any help!
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ScottishMalco - Name: Malcolm
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Nov 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 32
Re: Tattoos and multiple myeloma
Hi Scottish Malcolm,
I have read that some of the dyes used in tattoos, such as ferrous oxide, can cause skin burns when scanned by MRI scans. When I had an MRI, the technicians asked me about tattoos. So it seems wise to avoid getting tattoos, in case of having MRI testing. Many myeloma patients would have MRI's sometimes.
Hope that helps!
I have read that some of the dyes used in tattoos, such as ferrous oxide, can cause skin burns when scanned by MRI scans. When I had an MRI, the technicians asked me about tattoos. So it seems wise to avoid getting tattoos, in case of having MRI testing. Many myeloma patients would have MRI's sometimes.
Hope that helps!
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: Tattoos and multiple myeloma
I got a sizable tattoo about two years ago. My multiple myeloma was in remission at the time. It was not my first tattoo. One thing I noticed was it took a long time to heal (scab up, get smooth). I think this may be due to impaired immunity, but I'm not a doctor.
If you get one, be really cautious, and follow all the aftercare routine (cleaning, etc) so it heals up without getting infected.
If you get one, be really cautious, and follow all the aftercare routine (cleaning, etc) so it heals up without getting infected.
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lys2012 - Name: Alyssa
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2010, Toronto, Canada
- Age at diagnosis: 32
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