Analytical Trends and Pathogenesis of Microplastics in Human Cancer Tissues: A Toxicology Mini-review

The plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm known as Microplastics have emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants with increasing evidence of human exposure. Recent studies reporting their presence in human tissues have raised concerns regarding their potential role in carcinogenesis. On this background this toxicology mini review was carried out which summarises current analytical techniques used to detect and characterise microplastics in human cancer tissues and to synthesize existing evidence on their potential role in tumor development and progression. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2010 and October 2025 using medical subject headings (MeSH) terms and keywords. Eligible studies were included and data extraction was done in focus of cancer type, analytical methods, polymer characterisation and proposed carcinogenic mechanism. At the end we found microplastics have been identified in multiple human tissues, including blood, placenta, lung, brain, and solid organs, as well as within tumor and metastatic tissues of colorectal, prostate, gastric, lung, and cervical cancers. Analytical approaches such as µ-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, laser direct infrared imaging, and pyrolysis-GC-MS are commonly employed, each offering distinct advantages and limitations. Emerging evidence indicates preferential accumulation of microplastics in cancerous tissues and supports their potential involvement in carcinogenesis through oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, immune modulation, and synergistic toxicity. However, standardized analytical protocols and large-scale epidemiological studies are essential to establish causality and clarify clinical significance.