Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human bronchial carcinoma

A study was made to determine whether and to what extent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are present in human bronchial carcinoma. Twenty-four carcinomas, obtained from surgical operations and autopsies, were examined. The samples were tested for 12 PAH; these were determined by direct fluorescence analysis on thin-layer plates. Only 4 of the 12 PAH were detected in the cancerous tissue: benzo(a)pyrene, fluoranthene, benzo(ghi)perylene. Beno(a)pyrene was found in all carcinomas. The reasons for increased concentration of the detected PAH in cancerous tissue are discussed with respect to deposition and elimination of inhaled particles as well as the metabolism of these compounds.