Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis (see Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis, [[Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis]]): conglomerate masses usually occur in the upper lung zones
Pneumoconiosis from Carbon Compounds: associated with carbon black, graphite, and oil shale
Silicosis (see Silicosis, [[Silicosis]]): conglomerate masses usually occur in the upper lung zones
Sarcoidosis (see Sarcoidosis, [[Sarcoidosis]]): conglomerate masses are usually near the hilae and are associated with surrounding paracitricial emphysema
Pulmonary Deposition of Dust with Subsequent Immunologic Reaction
Clinical Manifestations
Pulmonary Manifestations
Conglomerate Lung Masses: defined as exceeeding 1 cm (by CXR) or exceeding 2 cm (by pathologic exam)
Usually in upper lung zones (more common on right side)
Usually bilateral
Usually grow slowly in size and do not cavitate: if these features are present, consideration of malignancy should be considered
More common in taller patients
Restrictive Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT’s): usually present
Treatment
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References
Silicosis: State of the Art. Am Rev Resp Dis, 1976;113:643-665
Exposure to respirable coalmine dust and incidence of progressive massive fibrosis. British journal of industrial medicine 1987; 44 (10): 661–72. PMC 1007898. PMID 3676119
Pneumoconiosis: Comparison of Imaging and Pathologic Findings. RadioGraphics, 2006;26:59-77