Getting Rid of Radiation Tattoos

To guide radiation treatment for breast cancer, the radiation oncologist will mark the area to be treated with a series of tattoos. These permanent markings are crucial for ensuring the accurate targeting of the tumor area.

However, after radiation treatment ends, a growing number of breast cancer survivors are having their tattoos removed-often to the dismay of their doctor.

Tattoo markings used for radiation therapy are very small (around 1 millimeter), about the size of a freckle or the head of a pin. The radiation oncologist will make up to 6 tattoo dots to mark the corners and center of the area being treated. If additional "booster" radiation will be needed, some additional marks will also be made.

The advantage of tattoo versus ink markings is that they are extremely precise and won't fade because of showering, swimming and other activities during the course of treatment. After treatment ends, they can easily be removed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. The color of the tattoo can also be lightened.

For cosmetic reasons, some women, usually younger women, want at least the upper tattoo(s) removed, which may be visible above a low-cut dress or bathing suit. Also, for psychological reasons, some women want the tattoos removed because they are a painful reminder of their cancer.

While there are currently no statistics on how many women choose to have radiation tattoos removed, by most estimates the number is small, but growing.

Many doctors recommend against removing any of the tattoos because of the risk of overlapping radiation if the cancer should recur. If the same tissue is irradiated, thickening of the skin and scarring could result. Also, for women with invasive breast cancer, or with a higher risk of recurrence, the tattoos should be left in place in case future radiation treatment is needed.

But for women with non-invasive breast cancer that was caught early and did not spread into the fatty tissues of the breast, tattoo removal may be a possibility. The decision will clearly depend on each individual patient's medical circumstances, balanced with her emotional needs.

SOURCES:
HealthScoutNews, November 24, 2001
breastcancer.org (http://www.breastcancer.org)

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