Pathogenesis sequences in Gejiu miners with lung cancer: an introduction

Tin miners in Gejiu, Yunnan Province, China are at high risk of developing lung cancer with significant occupational characteristics. Tissue samples from these miners presented pathological characteristics, such as fibroplasia in carcinomas, peri-cancerous tissue in lung cancers, and hyperplasia and dysplasia of epithelial cells in peri-cancerous tissue. Carcinomas induced by Yunnan tin mine dust in the animal experiment underwent inflammation, fibroplasia, hyperplasia, dysplasia, and carcinogenesis of epithelial cells. A correlated and synergistic relationship was observed between bronchial epithelial cell transformation and fibroblast activation in vitro induced by mine dust. Fibroblast hyperplasia and activation are important factors that promote the transformation and carcinogenesis of epithelial cells. Our findings suggested that pulmonary fibrosis may increase the risk and promote the occurrence of lung cancer, which can lead to lung fiber hyperplasia.