Asbestos-related diseases in mineworkers: a clinicopathological study

What is it about?

Asbestos is no longer mined or used in many countries, but people are still exposed to it at work or in the environment. Breathing in asbestos can cause asbestos-related diseases (ARD). These include asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. In countries with limited resources, chest X-rays are used to diagnose ARDs. We compared chest X-ray and autopsy findings of ARDs in asbestos miners. More than half (58%) of the ARDs found at autopsy had not been seen while the miners were alive. Our findings agree with other studies which showed that chest X-rays miss many ARDs. More sophisticated tests should be done in people who have ARD symptoms but have normal X-rays. Correct diagnoses of ARDs are important so that those who have ARDs can to be managed properly and claim compensation if it is available.

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