Microplastic ingestion and neoplasms: A comprehensive meta-bibliometric analysis

Microplastics have emerged as a significant environmental and health concern, particularly in relation to gastrointestinal cancer. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis (2004–2024) on microplastic ingestion and neoplasms, using data from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOS-CC) and Scopus. R Studio and Biblioshiny were used for performance evaluation and science mapping to identify research trends, key contributors, and thematic areas. The findings reveal a notable escalation in scholarly output, with China emerging as a leading contributor, achieving an impressive annual growth rate of 26.08 %. Among the journals analyzed, Science of the Total Environment was identified as the most productive publication outlet in this domain. Key findings indicate a growing focus on the molecular mechanisms of microplastic-induced toxicity, such as oxidative stress and apoptosis, though significant gaps remain in linking these processes directly to carcinogenesis. This research emphasizes the critical role of global partnerships in advancing the understanding of microplastic-related issues. Moreover, it stresses the necessity for more comprehensive investigations to thoroughly examine the prolonged health implications posed by microplastics. In conclusion, this study reveals the rapid growth in microplastic research, particularly its link to cancer, but also points to the need for more detailed studies to clarify the molecular pathways involved and the broader implications for human health.