Tissue burden evaluation of elongated mineral particles in two individuals with mesothelioma and whose work history included manufacturing tile.

Two cases with diagnosis of mesothelioma were referred to our laboratories with a request for tissue burden analysis in order to determine the presence of ferruginous bodies and uncoated elongated mineral particles in tissue samples. The individuals shared in common a past background of working in tile manufacturing facilities where industrial talc was used in the production of the products. Both were found to have ferruginous bodies in their lung tissues as well as elongated talc fibers/ribbons and elevated numbers of noncommercial amphiboles in their tissues. To our knowledge, this is the first report of tissue assessment for the presence of elongated mineral particles in individuals whose exposures to talc occurred were while working in the manufacture of tile products and who developed the fiber-related cancer - mesothelioma.