Relevant Physiology

Etiology

• Inflammatory reaction to Asbestos
• A mined mineral

Presentation

Risk factors (occupation)

• Construction worker (iron and steel)
• Ship builder
• Automobile (old breaks)
• latency period of 20+ yrs

Signs and Symptoms

• Clinical presentation (HPI):
  • Prior exposure to Asbestos: can be traced back to 20-30 yrs ago
  • Resp symotoms
• Manifestation:
  • Malignant
    • 10-20X risk Lung Cancer (worse if also smoking)
    • Mesothelioma (pleural or peritoneal cancer) → ALMOST ALWAYS DUE TO Asbestosis
    • Sinus or nasal cancer, GI cancer
  • Non-malignant
    • Asbestosis
      • Lower lobe ILD,
      • Pleural effusion (transudate)
      • Rounded atelectasis
      • Calcified pleural plaques and pleural thickening (restrictive PFT)

Investigation

Hx

• Occupational History

Tests

• CXR - Chest X ray Finding:

  • Lower Lob Fibrosis

  • Rounded atelectasis

  • Calcified pleural plaques

  • Pleural thickening

    

• PFT - Pulmonary Function Tests →Restrictive PFT