There are three key elements to the diagnosis of<unk> . First, the patient history should reveal exposure to sufficient silica dust to cause this illness. Second, chest imaging (usually chest x-ray) that reveals findings consistent with<unk> . Third, there are no underlying illnesses that are more likely to be causing the abnormalities. Physical examination is usually unremarkable unless there is complicated disease. Also, the examination findings are not specific for<unk> . Pulmonary function testing may reveal airflow limitation, restrictive defects, reduced diffusion capacity, mixed defects, or may be normal (especially without complicated disease). Most cases of<unk>  do not require tissue biopsy for diagnosis, but this may be necessary in some cases, primarily to exclude other conditions. Assessment of alveolar crystal burden in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid may aid diagnosis. For uncomplicated<unk> , chest x-ray will confirm the presence of small ( 1 cm) occurs from coalescence of small opacities, particularly in the upper lung zones. With retraction of the lung tissue, there is compensatory emphysema. Enlargement of the hilum is common with chronic and accelerated<unk> . In about 5–10% of cases, the nodes will calcify circumferentially, producing so-called "eggshell" calcification. This finding is not pathognomonic (diagnostic) of<unk> . In some cases, the pulmonary nodules may also become calcified. A computed tomography or CT scan can also provide a mode detailed analysis of the lungs, and can reveal cavitation due to concomitant mycobacterial infection. File:Silicosis simple.Chest X-ray showing uncomplicated<unk>  File:Silicosis complicada.Complicated<unk>  File:Silicosis.ILO Classification 2-2 R-R.Silicosis ILO Classification 2-2 R-R File:Fibrothorax and pleural effusion caused by<unk>  (X-ray).Fibrothorax and pleural effusion caused by<unk>  Classification Classification of<unk>  is made according to the disease's severity (including radiographic pattern), onset, and rapidity of progression. These include: ;Chronic simple<unk> : Usually resulting from long-term exposure (10 years or more) to relatively low concentrations of silica dust and usually appearing 10–30 years after first exposure. This is the most common type of<unk> . Patients with this type of<unk> , especially early on, may not have obvious signs or symptoms of disease, but abnormalities may be detected by x-ray. Chronic cough and exertional dyspnea (shortness of breath) are common findings. Radiographically, chronic simple<unk>  reveals a profusion of small (<10 mm in diameter) opacities, typically rounded, and predominating in the upper lung zones. ;Accelerated<unk> :<unk>  that develops 5–10 years after first exposure to higher concentrations of silica dust. Symptoms and x-ray findings are similar to chronic simple<unk> , but occur earlier and tend to progress more rapidly. Patients with accelerated<unk>  are at greater risk for complicated disease, including progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). ;Complicated<unk> :<unk>  can become "complicated" by the development of severe scarring (progressive massive fibrosis, or also known as conglomerate<unk> , where the small nodules gradually become confluent, reaching a size of 1 cm or greater. PMF is associated with more severe symptoms and respiratory impairment than simple disease.<unk>  can also be complicated by other lung disease, such as tuberculosis, non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection, and fungal infection, certain autoimmune diseases, and lung cancer. Complicated<unk>  is more common with accelerated<unk>  than with the chronic variety. ;Acute<unk> :<unk>  that develops a few weeks to 5 years after exposure to high concentrations of respirable silica dust. This is also known as silicoproteinosis. Symptoms of acute<unk>  include more rapid onset of severe disabling shortness of breath, cough, weakness, and weight loss, often leading to death. The x-ray usually reveals a diffuse alveolar filling with air bronchograms, described as a ground-glass appearance, and similar to pneumonia, pulmonary edema, alveolar hemorrhage, and alveolar cell lung cancer.
Silicosis
Asbestosis
Coalworker's pneumoconiosis
Beryllium granuloma
Asbestos-related diseases
Occupational asthma
Pneumoconiosis
Organic dust toxic syndrome