​Pathology - Asbestosis

​Pathology - Asbestosis

The inhalation of asbestos fibers is exacerbated by the act of smoking cigarettes.
Pathophysiology refers to the study of the functional changes that occur in the body as a result of a disease or injury. Alveolar macrophages phagocytose asbestos fibers, leading to a fibroblastic reaction.

Lung: Widespread scarring of the lung tissue; presence of asbestos bodies (yellow-brown ferruginous structures in the lungs that indicate the presence of asbestos fibers coated with hemosiderin); formation of collagenous plaques on the pleura and diaphragm.
Patients exhibit symptoms of difficulty breathing and coughing up phlegm 20-40 years after being exposed to asbestos.
The physical examination shows the presence of clubbing and dry inspiratory crackles.
Imaging: CT scan reveals the presence of interstitial fibrosis and pleural plaques, primarily affecting the lower lobes.
Pulmonary function test results: Reduced total lung capacity (TLC); reduced diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DICO).

Administration of oxygen as a form of supportive treatment is recommended, as there is currently no known remedy for the condition.
Individuals diagnosed with asbestosis have a higher likelihood of getting bronchogenic carcinoma and malignant mesothelioma of the pleura. Malignant mesothelioma is characterized by a dense sheet of white tumor that has both fibrous and glandular epithelial components. This tumor surrounds and envelops the lung.