Industrial Lung Disease

Abstract

Silicosis associated with asbestosis has been found in several investigations, and the association of asbestosis and mesothelioma is well known. A foundry worker was treated intermittently for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with superimposed infections. Six years later, a rapidly growing, friable mass appeared in the left lung. Such rapid growth suggested a mesothelioma; however, asbestos bodies were not found in the biopsy specimen.