Fibrous and non-fibrous mineral phases in biological samples: determination by light and electron microscopy

The province of Alessandria and especially the area of Casale Monferrato are known for the high incidence of asbestos-related cancers, particularly mesothelioma. There is a clinical impression, however, that also the incidence of cancers of the gastroenteric tract, including gallbladder cancer, is higher than the national average in this area, but there is no dedicated register from which conclusive data can be drawn. The presence of asbestos fibers in tissue samples of subjects with possible environmental and/or domestic exposure to asbestos could suggest their role in the pathogenesis of tumor diseases and provide a valid motivation to better investigate in this area also the epidemiology of other potentially asbestos-related rare cancers, through studies justified only if the presence of asbestos fibers in the organs of onset is actually demonstrated.