Correlation of asbestos fiber burdens in fallopian tubes and ovarian tissue☆,☆☆,★

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Abstract

Evidence suggests an increased risk of ovarian cancer with asbestos exposure. Ovaries and corresponding fallopian tubes were studied by analytic electron microscopy. There was 71.4% agreement between tube and ovary for presence-type of asbestos. The fallopian tube can provide useful information regarding asbestos exposure when no ovarian tissue is available. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:346-7.)

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Material and methods

Tissue blocks of fallopian tubes from 21 cases of previously evaluated ovarian tissue in women with no exposure history as verified by interview were available for study. None of the women had ovarian carcinoma. Some had a history of talc usage. Analytic electron microscopy was performed as previously described.1, 2 Transmission electron microscopy was performed to identify fibers and their size. The identity of the fibers was determined by energy-dispersive spectroscopy and confirmed by

Results

Results are shown in Table I.

. Analysis of fallopian tubes and ovaries for asbestos fiber burden

Case No.Ovary fiber typeOvary count (fibers/g wet weight)Limits of detection (fibers/g wet weight)Tube fiber typeTube count (fibers/g wet weight)Limits of detection (fibers/g wet weight)Side of ovary and tube same
1Chrysotile62,90015,760Chrysotile126,00014,608Yes
2Chrysotile249,00099,539Crocidolite11,600,000125,864Yes
3Crocidolite788,000157,604Crocidolite416,00042,742Yes
4—023,641 LAmosite10,800,000

Comment

We have demonstrated that asbestos can reach the ovary and may be present even without known exposure.1, 2 Chrysotile is ubiquitous in our environment, and there is a background exposure level in everyone. This type of asbestos is believed to be less likely to be pathogenic than the amphibole crocidolite. It is unclear how low-level amphibole asbestos exposure occurs. Some older talc preparations contained asbestos, but this is no longer a concern. Some of the subjects did use perineal talc,

References (2)

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From the Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–New Jersey Medical School,a and the Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine.b

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Reprint requests: Debra S. Heller, MD, Department of Pathology-UH/E 141 UMDNJ–New Jersey Medical School, 185 S Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103.

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