Do tattoos cause skin cancer?

Whether you’re getting new ink or removing an unwanted tattoo, dermatologists say you should brush up on your skin cancer risk first.

That’s because skin cancer is one of the few cancers you can see on your body. But what happens when skin cancer develops in an area with a tattoo?

Can a tattoo raise my skin cancer risk?

More research is needed to know if tattoos and skin cancer are linked.

Dermatologists say the greater risk is that a tattoo may disguise skin cancer and make it harder to detect.

Skin cancer can develop on tattooed skin

Even if the area was clear when you got the tattoo.

Your dermatologist knows how to find skin cancer. Dermatologists look for the ABCDEs of melanoma as well as other signs a spot may be cancerous, such as a spot that doesn’t heal or heals and returns. If a spot looks concerning, your dermatologist performs a skin biopsy, where they remove a small amount of skin so a pathologist can check it for skin cancer.

However, tattoo ink can change the way moles and other spots on your skin look. The border and color of a spot — two of the ABCDEs of melanoma — may change after being tattooed. Tattoo ink can also make it harder for a pathologist to identify skin cancer cells in biopsied skin. These factors can delay how quickly your skin cancer is caught and treated, which means your skin cancer could be more serious once it’s diagnosed.

How can I prevent a tattoo from hiding skin cancer?

Partner with a dermatologist to have your skin examined before you get a tattoo. Your dermatologist will look at all the spots on your body, from moles to freckles to age spots, to determine if any look like they are or may turn into skin cancer. That way, you can receive treatment if needed and know what areas to avoid when getting tattoos.

This is especially important if you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer — for instance, if you have multiple atypical moles, a personal or family history of skin cancer, or a weakened immune system.

Before you get inked, talk to your tattoo artist

Tell your tattoo artist to work around moles, freckles, and other spots on your skin.

You should also avoid any areas your dermatologist wants to check at future appointments. Keeping skin with moles or other spots clear of tattoo ink lets you and your dermatologist track whether they’re changing or growing.

I want to remove a tattoo by a mole — what should I know?

Only get laser tattoo removal from the skin experts — dermatologists. Your dermatologist will monitor your skin during your tattoo removal journey and can check any moles, freckles, or other spots that the laser reveals. If a spot needs to be biopsied, you may need to delay future laser tattoo removal sessions in case more treatment is needed.

Partnering with a dermatologist is the safest way to remove a tattoo.

How can I check tattooed skin for skin cancer between dermatologist exams?

You can detect skin cancer early by performing skin self-exams on your tattooed and non-tattooed skin. Dermatologists share their tips at Find skin cancer: How to perform a skin self-exam. Pay extra attention to skin tattooed with red, blue, or black ink — researchers say these pigments are most likely to disguise concerning spots.

Because skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, partner with a dermatologist if you notice any spots changing, itching, or bleeding. As the skin cancer experts, dermatologists can identify and treat skin cancer, if necessary.

You can find a board-certified dermatologist in your area at Find a Dermatologist.

Images
Getty Images

References
Brusasco, M., Spagnolini, S., Mazzoni, L., Magi, S., et al. (2025). Melanoma Arising in Tattoos: A Case Series and Scoping Review of the Literature. Cancers, 17(5), 767.

Lebhar, J, et al. Skin cancers within tattoos: A systematic review. JAAD International. 16, 133-143, September 2024

Written by:
Brooke Schleehauf

Reviewed by:
Natalie H. Matthews, MD, MPhil, FAAD
Rajiv I. Nijhawan, MD, FAAD, FACMS
Darrell S. Rigel, MD, FAAD

Last updated: 5/13/25