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Flashcards in Asbestos related lung disorders Deck (21)
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1
Q

what are the pleural diseases involving asbestos?

A

benign pleural plaques

acute asbestos pleuritis

benign asbestos pleural effusions

pleural effusion and diffuse parenchymal thickening

malignant mesothelioma

2
Q

what is the pulmonary fibrosis from asbestos called?

A

asbestosis

3
Q

benign pleural plaques

A

common and asymptomatic but can look dramatic on a CXR

discrete areas of thickening on parietal pleura that may calcify

4
Q

what is acute asbestos pleuritis?

A

acute inflammation of the pleura

5
Q

what are the symptoms of acute asbestos pleuritis?

A

fever, pain, bloody pleural effusion

can occur even over 10 years after exposure

6
Q

what characterises Pleural effusion and diffuse parenchymal thickening?

A

extensive fibrosis of visceral pleura with adhesion to parietal pleura

7
Q

what are the symptoms of Pleural effusion and diffuse parenchymal thickening?

A

dyspnoea and chest pain

8
Q

what is the effect of Pleural effusion and diffuse parenchymal thickening on spirometry ?

A

restrictive impairment

9
Q

what are the other features of Pleural effusion and diffuse parenchymal thickening

A

it is difficult to treat

10
Q

what is malignant mesothelioma ?

A

incurable pleural cancer

11
Q

what are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

A

presents with chest pain and pleural effusion

12
Q

what is the treatment for mesothelioma?

A

there is none

13
Q

what causes mesothelioma?

A

only asbestos - not smoking associated

14
Q

what are the features of benign asbestos pleural effusions?

A

they are usually small, unilateral, resolve spontaneouslym blood stained exudates

15
Q

what treatment is given for benign asbestos pleural effusions?

A

symptomatic treatment given

16
Q

what do you need to get asbestosis ?

A

Have to had had heavy prolonged exposure for at least 5 years for asbestosis to happen.

17
Q

what happens in asbestosis ?

A

you get diffuse parenchymal fibrosis and restrictive defect

18
Q

what are the symptoms of asbestosis?

A

breathlessness

19
Q

where do you find asbestos bodies in asbestosis?

A

Find asbestos bodies in sputum

Find asbestos fibres in lung biopsy

20
Q

what other cancer can asbestos cause?

A

bronchial carcinoma

21
Q

what is the treatment for bronchial carcinoma?

A

pleurodese effusions

radiotherapy - palliative/ prophylactic

surgery - need to be very fit

chemotherapy- trials only, palliative care