Asbestos Flashcards
1
Q
What lung diseases can be caused by asbestos exposure?
A
Pleural plaques - beign (latent period 20-40 years)
Pleural thickening (similar to empyema or haemoathorax)
Asbestosis
Mesothelioma (blue asbestos)
Lung Cancer
2
Q
What does abestosis cause in the lung and what are the symptoms?
A
Lower lobe fibrosis
SOB and reduced exercise tolerance
3
Q
What is mesothelioma?
A
Malignant disease of the pleura
4
Q
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
A
Progressive SOB
Chest pain
Pleural effusion
5
Q
What is the treatment of mesothelioma?
A
Usually offered palliative chemotherapy with a limited role for surgery and radiotherapy.
Poor prognosis and median survival of 8-14 months.
