These markings are done to help guide treatment
Radiation can be an important part of treatment for breast cancer.
During radiation treatment, high-energy beams are aimed at the breast tissue to kill cancer cells.
Beforebreast radiationis delivered, skin markings known as radiation tattoos, need to be placed on the skin.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
These marks help theradiation therapistaim the radiation precisely where it’s needed.
These tattoos won’t wash off, so showering or swimming during treatment won’t affect them.
The first step after radiation has been prescribed is a simulation process.
During simulation, a CT scan of the area getting radiation is done.
This helps the radiation specialists make a map of where exactly the radiation beams need to go.
During the CT simulation, tattoos are placed, which help mark the treatment field.
These need to be placed so the treatment can be accurate each time.
When the location of the tattoo is determined, the skin is marked using a marker.
Then the skin is cleaned well, and a drop of ink is placed on the marked skin.
A small needle is then used to poke a small hole in the top layer of the skin.
This small hole allows the ink to get under the skin.
Once under the skin, it cannot be washed off.
The stick of the needle may be slightly uncomfortable, but shouldn’t hurt severely.
Types
Many radiation treatment centers use a dark ink for the tattoo, often India ink.
However, although the spots are small, they are still visible on the skin.
Another option is UV (ultraviolet) ink.
When the skin is seen under normal lighting, the tattoo is not visible.
The age and weight of the patient can factor into tattoo marking for radiation.
In extremely rare cases, people have had allergic reactions to the dye.
Henna is not permanent, but it may only last up to two weeks.
It may require frequent touch-ups to continue to be accurate in marking the skin for radiation.
Some radiation centers can use surface guided radiation therapy (SGRT).
Options include surgery, dermabrasion, and cryotherapy.
A dermatologist should be able to provide guidance on the best method to use.
Summary
Tattoos and skin markings are a very important process of using radiation to treat breast cancer.
Most tattoos use a dark ink, but newer options such as UV dye may be a possibility.
Henna can be used but needs frequent touch-ups.
After treatment, removal of the tattoos may be possible after discussion with the radiation oncologist.
A Word From Verywell
Coping with radiation tattoos is easier if you understand their purpose and importance.
If you wish to have your tattoos removed after treatment, talk with your oncologist.
Ink tattoos are most frequently used, as they don’t come off once they are placed.
For some who refuse tattoos, temporary marking such as with a pen or henna ink may be used.
The highly trained radiation therapists and/or the radiation oncologist are present for the simulation procedure.
This procedure is when the tattoos are placed and will be done by one of these professionals.
Radiation tattoos are usually blue or black in color and are very small.
They may look like a freckle.
Radiation tattoos may fade a bit over time but are usually permanent.
Temporary inks, such as henna, will fade quickly, within about two weeks.
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