Tattoo Pigment in Breast Tissue: A Rare Case of Pigment Deposition in Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia with associated tissue pigmentation is rarely reported in the literature. We report a rare case of a 39-year-old male with gynecomastia and unexpected pigmentation within breast tissue, presumed to be related to extensive tattoos. This unusual presentation of gynecomastia, combined with visible pigment deposits in breast and lymphatic tissue, introduces a novel intersection between seemingly unrelated findings. Gynecomastia, a benign enlargement of male breast tissue, is typically idiopathic or hormonally driven. In this case, surgery revealed tattoo-like pigmentation within fibroadipose tissue and lymph nodes. Histopathology confirmed the pigment to be consistent with tattoo ink, raising the possibility of migration via lymphatic channels. While tattoo ink complications are well documented in dermatology, this is the first known report of pigment deposition in male breast tissue in the context of gynecomastia. This raises questions about tattoo pigment migration and potential implications in tissue remodeling or pathology.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-06-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.86961
Primary Topic
Male Breast Health Studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Tattoo Pigment in Breast Tissue: A Rare Case of Pigment Deposition in Gynecomastia

Tony L. Weaver, Garrett M Cail, Michael B Steadman, Taylor F Faust
Cureus
Male Breast Health Studies
article

Tattoo Pigment in Breast Tissue: A Rare Case of Pigment Deposition in Gynecomastia

Tony L. Weaver, Garrett M Cail, Michael B Steadman, Taylor F Faust
article en

Abstract

Gynecomastia with associated tissue pigmentation is rarely reported in the literature. We report a rare case of a 39-year-old male with gynecomastia and unexpected pigmentation within breast tissue, presumed to be related to extensive tattoos. This unusual presentation of gynecomastia, combined with visible pigment deposits in breast and lymphatic tissue, introduces a novel intersection between seemingly unrelated findings. Gynecomastia, a benign enlargement of male breast tissue, is typically idiopathic or hormonally driven. In this case, surgery revealed tattoo-like pigmentation within fibroadipose tissue and lymph nodes. Histopathology confirmed the pigment to be consistent with tattoo ink, raising the possibility of migration via lymphatic channels. While tattoo ink complications are well documented in dermatology, this is the first known report of pigment deposition in male breast tissue in the context of gynecomastia. This raises questions about tattoo pigment migration and potential implications in tissue remodeling or pathology.

CureusVol. 17(6)
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (US)
Gender equality
Openalex Percentile: Top 78%
Male Breast Health Studies
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Tattoo Pigment in Breast Tissue: A Rare Case of Pigment Deposition in Gynecomastia — Tony L. Weaver, Garrett M Cail, et al. · Cureus (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS