Faculty Collaboration Database

Parenchymal and airway diseases caused by asbestos. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2010 Mar;16(2):155-61

Date

01/28/2010

Pubmed ID

20104177

DOI

10.1097/MCP.0b013e328335de61

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-76449098526 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   17 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The extensive industrial use of asbestos for many decades has been linked to development of benign and malignant pleuropulmonary disease. This review summarizes newer evidence and ongoing controversies that exist in the literature regarding asbestos-related parenchymal and airway diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS: Asbestosis represents a significant respiratory problem despite the improvement in the workplace hygiene and a decrease in use of asbestos. The management of asbestosis remains challenging as currently there is no specific treatment. The role of asbestos exposure alone as a cause of chronic airway obstruction remains uncertain. The relationship between lung cancer and asbestos exposure alone and in combination with smoking has also been investigated. The benefit of screening for asbestos-related pleuropulmonary disease remains uncertain as does the use of computed tomography scanning for the purpose of screening.

SUMMARY: Future studies will help clarify the clinical issues and shape screening strategies for asbestos-exposed individuals.

Author List

Antonescu-Turcu AL, Schapira RM

Author

Andreea Antonescu-Turcu MD Associate Dean, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Asbestos
Asbestosis
Humans
Lung Diseases
Lung Diseases, Obstructive
Lung Neoplasms
Mesothelioma
Tomography, X-Ray Computed