Asbestos related lung disease

Question 1

what is the bengin finding on CXR in asbestos exposed patients?

Answer 1

pleural plaques - dont undergo maligant change
most common form
latent period of 20-40 years

Question 2

what is asbestosis?

Answer 2

restrictive lung disease secondary to interstitial fibrosis after exposure

Question 3

which zone does asbestosis predominantly affect?

Answer 3

lower zones

Question 4

what does severity depend on?

Answer 4

length of exposure

Question 5

what is the latent period of asbestosis?

Answer 5

15-30 yrs

Question 6

how does asbestosis present?

Answer 6

SOB

reduced exercise tolerance

Question 7

what is thr malignant disease caused by asbestos?

Answer 7

mesothelioma

Question 8

where does it metastasise to?

Answer 8

contralateral lung and peritoneum

Question 9

which lung is more affected?

Answer 9

right more than left

Question 10

presentation of mesothelioma?

Answer 10

progressive SOB
chest pain 
pleural effusion
weight loss
clubbing

Question 11

latent period of mesothelioma?

Answer 11

30-40 yrs

Question 12

investigations?

Answer 12

CXR
pleural CT
thoracosocpy
histology

Question 13

managemeny of mesothelioma?

Answer 13

palliative chemo
limited role for surgery, radiotherapy
poor prognosis- 8-14 months

Question 14

does length of exposure matter?

Answer 14

no, short-term expsoure is enough to cause mesothelioma

Question 15

what is the most dangerous form of asbestos?

Answer 15

crocidolite (blue) asbestos

Question 16

pulmonary function testing?

Answer 16

restrictive deficit
FEV1 - reduced
FVC - significantly reduced
FEV1/FVC - normal or increased