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

## TL;DR

A man with gynecomastia had tattoo pigment found in his breast tissue, suggesting possible migration of ink through lymphatic channels.

## Contribution

First known report of tattoo pigment deposition in male breast tissue associated with gynecomastia.

## Key findings

- Tattoo-like pigmentation was found in fibroadipose tissue and lymph nodes during surgery.
- Histopathology confirmed the pigment was consistent with tattoo ink.
- This case suggests tattoo pigments may migrate via lymphatic channels into breast tissue.

## 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.