Asbestos fibres detected by scanning electron microscopy in the gallbladder of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) |
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| Authors: | F. GROSSO A. CROCE N.F. TRINCHERI N. MARIANI R. LIBENER D. DEGIOVANNI C. RINAUDO |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Mesothelioma Unit – Oncology – SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, General Hospital, Alessandria, Italy;2. Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy;3. Pathology Unit – SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, General Hospital, Alessandria, Italy;4. Mesothelioma Unit – Supportive and Palliative Care – Country Health Service, Italy;5. Interdepartmental Center “G. Scansetti,” University of Turin, Turin, Italy |
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| Abstract: | Gallbladders from patients affected by both malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and important gallbladder disorders were analyzed to verify the presence of asbestos fibres. Histological thin sections were analyzed by optical microscope and variable pressure scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy, allowing morphological and chemical characterization of each inorganic phase observed. Fibres of chrysotile and crocidolite, minerals regulated as asbestos, were identified. By immunohistochemical analysis, connective tissue was recognized as the incorporation site. These findings confirm that asbestos fibres can reach the gallbladders of patients with MPM, for whom the development of respiratory diseases confirms asbestos exposure. |
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| Keywords: | Asbestos asbestos exposure gallbladder scanning electron microscopy |
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