Diagnosis of asbestos-related lung diseases

Edward J. A. Harris, Arthur Musk, Nicholas de Klerk, Alison Reid, Peter Franklin, Fraser J. H. Brims

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: The diagnosis of lung disease in asbestos-exposed individuals is a process that not only requires a detailed occupational and tobacco smoking history, but the correlation with physical signs, appropriate imaging, detailed lung function assessment and histology/cytology when required. Worldwide, the total quantity of asbestos mined is static, having decreased dramatically in developed countries but increased in countries where there is no restriction on mining: for example, Russia, China, Brazil, and Kazakhstan. The predominant diagnostic challenge in most cases of possible asbestos-related disease is the significant interval between exposure and development of the disease. Also challenging is the estimation of an individual's risk of disease, not least because asbestos-induced malignancy can be rapidly fatal, and, in the case of lung cancer, early detection can lead to treatment with curative intent. Areas covered: Discussion of quantitative asbestos exposure estimation and risk assessment, selection of the most appropriate imaging modality and frequency of imaging. Expert commentary: Consideration of the future for asbestos-related lung disease includes screening those at highest risk particularly in relation to ongoing mining operations and the management of in-situ asbestos. In the future, screening programs designed with estimation of risk of malignancy, based on quantitative estimates of asbestos exposure, and smoking history are indicated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)241-249
Number of pages9
JournalExpert Review of Respiratory Medicine
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Mar 2019

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