Silicosis and Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis

Silicosis and coal-workers pneumoconiosis (CWP) are fibrotic lung diseases secondary to the inhalation of free silica and coal dust. Exposure is typically occupational and occurs over many years before symptoms develop. Cough and shortness of breath are the most common presenting symptoms. Imaging features of silicosis and CWP are similar and often indistinguishable. Both silicosis and CWP result in upper lobe predominant disease. Pulmonary nodules are the most common imaging feature which may coalesce into progressive massive fibrosis. Lymphadenopathy and emphysema are additional findings seen in patients with silicosis and CWP. Silicosis has a higher incidence of tuberculosis and both pneumoconioses have a higher incidence of lung cancer.