Asbestos-Related Diseases & Health Effects Flashcards
7 cards from real Mesothelioma Navy practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Asbestos-Related Diseases & Health Effects flashcards as text
What is asbestosis?
Answer: Progressive scarring of the lungs caused by inhaled asbestos fibers
Asbestosis is a chronic fibrotic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, leading to progressive scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue that reduces breathing capacity.
What is the typical latency period for asbestos-related diseases to develop after initial exposure?
Answer: 20–50 years
Asbestos-related diseases typically have a latency period of 20–50 years between initial exposure and symptom onset, which is why many Navy veterans are only now being diagnosed.
What are pleural plaques?
Answer: Localized areas of fibrous thickening on the parietal pleura
Pleural plaques are localized, discrete areas of fibrous thickening on the parietal pleura and are the most common indicator of prior asbestos exposure, though they are benign.
Compared to non-exposed non-smokers, smokers who were also exposed to asbestos have approximately what increased risk of developing lung cancer?
Answer: 50–90 times greater
The combination of cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure creates a synergistic effect, increasing lung cancer risk approximately 50–90 times compared to individuals with neither risk factor.
What is diffuse pleural thickening (DPT)?
Answer: Extensive fibrous scarring of the visceral pleura that can restrict lung function
Diffuse pleural thickening is widespread fibrous scarring of the visceral pleura that can fuse with the parietal pleura and significantly restrict lung expansion and breathing capacity.
Which type of asbestos fiber is most strongly associated with the development of mesothelioma?
Answer: Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
Crocidolite (blue asbestos) is considered the most carcinogenic asbestos fiber type and is most strongly associated with mesothelioma due to its thin, rigid, needle-like fiber structure.
What is a pleural effusion in the context of asbestos-related disease?
Answer: Accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space
A pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (pleural space), and is often one of the earliest signs of pleural mesothelioma.