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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Chest X Ray With Contrast Shows Pneumoconiosis With Extensive Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy. Meaning ?

had chest x ray with contrast. finding are consistant with pneumoconiosis with extensive mediastinal lymphadenopathy. the lack of calcification suggests that this does not present silicosisbut is more likely secondary to pneumoconiosis. no definite evidence of malignancy is identified. the pulmonary fibrotic masses are more consistant with pulmonary. I am 56 years old, a coal miner, 15 underground 22 on surface mine. I have shortness of breath,a cough,and knees,back, and neck hurt. does this mean I don't have black lung disease.
posted on Tue, 16 Jul 2013
Twitter Wed, 17 Jul 2013 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 17 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

I think you are talking about your Chest CTscan with contrast, done for investigating a cause of your shortness of breath and cough.

It is clear that you have had significant occupational exposure to coal dust for almost 37 years. Such long exposure surely has affected your lungs. Through the years, very fine coal dust particles have entered your airway and got deposited in the alveoli (tiniest portion of lungs called lung sacs where gas exchange takes place). This has caused chronic injury to the lungs and led to fibrotic changes (pneumoconiosis). Also as coal dust is recognized as foreign element by the body, there has been lymphnode swelling in the space between lungs and adjacent to the heart (mediastinum).

These changes predispose a person to shortness of breath and cough. Though the changes in your lung are not totally reversible, you could delay further damage by taking medications. There is no sign of cancer, however pneumoconiosis itself need to be controlled in your situation.

Please visit your doctor regularly and avoid further exposure to coal dust and smoke.

Hope this helps.
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General & Family Physician,  Dr. Vidya KR's  Response
Hi, Thanks for using HCM.

Coal workers pneumoconiosis, other name for it is a black lung disease.
As your chest X-ray is showing enlarged lymphnodes with lung changes, these are in due to exposure to coal at your work.
Avoid further exposure to coal, you can search for alternate work,
Consult your doctor for examination and management.
Hope I answered your question. Feel free to ask me if you have any further queries.
Wish you good health. Take
care.

Regards
Dr. Vidya
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Chest X Ray With Contrast Shows Pneumoconiosis With Extensive Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy. Meaning ?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. I think you are talking about your Chest CTscan with contrast, done for investigating a cause of your shortness of breath and cough. It is clear that you have had significant occupational exposure to coal dust for almost 37 years. Such long exposure surely has affected your lungs. Through the years, very fine coal dust particles have entered your airway and got deposited in the alveoli (tiniest portion of lungs called lung sacs where gas exchange takes place). This has caused chronic injury to the lungs and led to fibrotic changes (pneumoconiosis). Also as coal dust is recognized as foreign element by the body, there has been lymphnode swelling in the space between lungs and adjacent to the heart (mediastinum). These changes predispose a person to shortness of breath and cough. Though the changes in your lung are not totally reversible, you could delay further damage by taking medications. There is no sign of cancer, however pneumoconiosis itself need to be controlled in your situation. Please visit your doctor regularly and avoid further exposure to coal dust and smoke. Hope this helps.