Asbestos Related Lung Disease

Question 1

What are Pleural Plaques

Answer 1

benign and do not undergo malignant change. They, therefore don’t require any follow-up. They are the most common form of asbestos-related lung disease and generally occur after a latent period of 20-40 years.

Question 2

Asbestosis typically causes?

Answer 2

typically causes lower lobe fibrosis.

Question 3

Features of Asbestosis

Answer 3

dyspnoea and reduced exercise tolerance
clubbing
bilateral end-inspiratory crackles
lung function tests show a restrictive pattern with reduced gas transfer

Question 4

What is Mesothelioma?

Answer 4

malignant disease of the pleura. Crocidolite (blue) asbestos is the most dangerous form.

Question 5

Mesothelioma present

Answer 5

progressive shortness-of-breath
chest pain
pleural effusion