Micrograph of<unk>  showing the characteristic ferruginous bodies and marked interstitial fibrosis (or scarring). H&E stain. Close-up<unk>  right lower zone ILO 2/2 S/S diaphragm. According to the American Thoracic Society (ATS), the general diagnostic criteria for<unk>  are: * Evidence of structural pathology consistent with<unk> , as documented by imaging or histology * Evidence of causation by asbestos as documented by the occupational and environmental history, markers of exposure (usually pleural plaques), recovery of asbestos bodies, or other means * Exclusion of alternative plausible causes for the findings The abnormal chest x-ray and its interpretation remain the most important factors in establishing the presence of pulmonary fibrosis. The findings usually appear as small, irregular parenchymal opacities, primarily in the lung bases. Using the ILO Classification system, "s", "t", and/or "u" opacities predominate. CT or high-resolution CT (HRCT) are more sensitive than plain radiography at detecting pulmonary fibrosis (as well as any underlying pleural changes). More than 50% of people affected with<unk>  develop plaques in the parietal pleura, the space between the chest wall and lungs. Once apparent, the radiographic findings in<unk>  may slowly progress or remain static, even in the absence of further asbestos exposure. Rapid progression suggests an alternative diagnosis.<unk>  resembles many other diffuse interstitial lung diseases, including other pneumoconiosis. The differential diagnosis includes idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sarcoidosis, and others. The presence of pleural plaques may provide supportive evidence of causation by asbestos. Although lung biopsy is usually not necessary, the presence of asbestos bodies in association with pulmonary fibrosis establishes the diagnosis. Conversely, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in the absence of asbestos bodies is most likely not<unk> . Asbestos bodies in the absence of fibrosis indicate exposure, not disease. Image:Asbestos effect.Figure A shows the location of the lungs, airways, pleura, and diaphragm in the body. Figure B shows lungs with asbestos-related diseases, including pleural plaque, lung cancer,<unk> , plaque on the diaphragm, and mesothelioma. Image:Asbestosis (7468458838).Extensive fibrosis of pleura and lung parenchyma. Image:Asbestosis - Asbestos body (7468457368).The arrow points to an uncoated segment of asbestos fiber in this ferruginous body. Image:Asbestosis - Pleural fibrosis & calcification (7468458058).Severe pleural fibrosis with focal calcification. Image:Asbestosis and non-small cell lung carcinoma, NOS (7469998482).The black arrows point to ferrugionous bodies that are located at the periphery of a focus of non-small cell lung carcinoma, NOS. File:Asbestosis_2.61 yr old working industrially with asbestos for decades.
Asbestosis
Bronchiectasis
Silicosis
Coalworker's pneumoconiosis
Asbestos-related diseases
Organic dust toxic syndrome
Tuberculosis
Occupational lung disease