What is known is that particles of silica dust get trapped in the tiny sacs (alveoli) in the lungs where air exchange takes place. White blood cells called macrophages in the alveoli ingest the silica and die.
Silicosis is currently incurable. The prognosis for patients with chronic silicosis is generally good. Acute silicosis, however, may progress rapidly to respiratory failure and death.
wich body parts and organs are affected by silicosis
Diagnosis of silicosis is based on: A detailed occupational history. Chest x rays will usually show small round opaque areas in chronic silicosis; the round areas are larger in complicated and accelerated silicosis. bronchoscopy lung function tests
No, silicosis is the result of inhaling silica. Asbestosis is the result of inhaling asbestos.
To the extent that silicosis can lead to tumor production, and the formation of tumors is thought to be a stepping-stone for carcinogenesis, yes, the occurrence of silicosis can herald in cell dedifferentiation, and thus cancer.
Chronic. Chronic silicosis may take 15 or more years of exposure to develop. There is only mild impairment of lung functioning. Chronic silicosis may progress to more advanced forms.
Accelerated. This form of silicosis appears after 5-10 years of intense exposure. The symptoms are similar to those of complicated silicosis. Patients in this group often develop rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders.
Lung.
The Lungs
Patrick Heffernan has written: 'An Irish doctor's memories' 'Acute silicosis' -- subject(s): Silicosis
Patients with advanced silicosis may have trouble sleeping and experience chest pain, hoarseness, and loss of appetite. Silicosis patients are at high risk for TB, and should be checked for the disease during the doctor's examination.
Silicosis