Amalgam tattoo
DESCRIPTION: An amalgam tattoo is a localized area of blue-gray pigmentation. The amalgam is relatively inert and usually causes no tissue damage. The discoloration is permanent.
ETIOLOGY: The accidental and usually unavoidable implantation of dental amalgam in oral soft issues produces this lesion.
TREATMENT: None required.
PROGNOSIS: Good
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Differential diagnosis is ordinarily not a problem. Amalgam tattoo should easily be distinguished from nevi which are usually brown. Amalgam tattoos are usually blue-grey. The rare blue nevus may resemble amalgam tattoo. It should be remembered that melanoma occurs in the mouth. Any tattoo that changes in a short period of time should be biopsied.
