Epizootic neoplasms in fishes from a lake polluted by copper mining wastes

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1982 · JNCI, J. Natl. Cancer Inst.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6851992

Black, J J; Evans, E D; Harshbarger, J C; Zeigel, R F

Examination of fishes from Torch Lake, Houghton County, Mich., revealed epizootic neoplasms of several types in two closely related species. Saugers, Stizostedion canadense, and walleyes, Stizostedion vitreum, were commonly affected with hepatocellular carcinomas, dermal ossifying fibromas, and perivisceral masses resembling mesotheliomas that were usually associated with the mesenteric capsule of the spleen. Saugers were 100% affected with liver neoplasms. Histopathologic and ultrastructural aspects of the neoplasms are described. Torch Lake has been used as a repository for copper mining waste to the extent that an estimated 20% of the original volume has been filled in by these materials. Several direct and indirect etiologic roles for the mine waste as causative agents of the fish tumors are discussed.

• Research Organization: Department of Experimental Biology, Roswell Park Memorial Institute, Buffalo, NY
• OSTI ID: 6851992
• Journal Information: JNCI, J. Natl. Cancer Inst.; (United States), Journal Name: JNCI, J. Natl. Cancer Inst.; (United States) Vol. 69:4; ISSN JJIND
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560305* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
COPPER ORES
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DISEASES
ETIOLOGY
FISHES
GLANDS
HISTOLOGY
LAKES
LIVER
MINERAL WASTES
MINING
NEOPLASMS
ORES
ORGANS
POLLUTION
SKIN
SOLID WASTES
SPLEEN
SURFACE WATERS
VERTEBRATES
WASTES
WATER POLLUTION