Occupational lung disease
Template:DiseaseDisorder infobox
For patient information click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Appearance
Simple CWP is marked by the presence of 1-2mm nodular aggregations of anthracotic macrophages, supported by a fine collagen network, within the lungs. Those 1-2mm in diameter are known as coal macules, with larger aggregations known as coal nodules. These structures occur most frequently around the initial site of coal dust accumulation - the upper regions of the lungs around respiratory bronchioles[1].
Continued exposure to coal dust following the development of simple CWP may result in its progression to complicated CWP, which generally requires a number of years to develop. Large, black, fibrotic scars 2-10cm in diameter are present, with accompanying decreased lung function. The lung itself appears blackened. A minority of these cases progresses to progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), the most serious form of CWP.
Symptoms
Both CWP and mild complicated CWP are often unsymptomatic or only affect lung function slightly. Shortness of breath and pain may be felt. However, progression to PMF is marked by lung dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, and cor pulmonale.