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Axillary Lymph Node Calcifications due to Tattoo Pigment: A Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation.
Manuel López-Herrero1, Mireia Pitarch2, Mario Giner3
1Department of Radiology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
European Journal of Breast Health
|June 19, 2026
Summary
Tattoo pigment can migrate to lymph nodes, appearing as calcifications on breast imaging. This benign finding mimics malignancy, highlighting the need for clinical history correlation to avoid unnecessary treatment.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Tattoo pigment migration to axillary lymph nodes is a known phenomenon.
- These deposits can present as dense areas or calcifications on breast imaging.
- Such findings can be mistaken for malignant axillary lymphadenopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of tattoo pigment in axillary lymph nodes mimicking malignancy on breast imaging.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing this benign mimic.
- To highlight the role of multimodality imaging and histopathology in accurate diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Mammography and ultrasound were used for initial detection of axillary lymph node calcifications.
- Image-guided sampling was performed for tissue analysis.
- Histopathology confirmed the presence of tattoo pigment deposits.
Main Results:
- Breast imaging revealed apparent axillary lymph node calcifications.
- Histopathology confirmed these deposits were due to tattoo pigment, not malignancy.
- The findings demonstrated a benign mimic of malignant axillary disease.
Conclusions:
- Tattoo pigment in lymph nodes can mimic malignant findings on breast imaging.
- Clinical history and multimodality imaging are crucial for differentiating benign pigment from malignancy.
- Accurate diagnosis prevents unnecessary escalation of care and overtreatment.
