A 45-year-old sandstone quarry worker presents with progressive dyspnoea, dry cough, and bilateral upper-lobe fibrosis on chest X-ray showing eggshell calcification of hilar lymph nodes. He has worked in the quarry for 20 years. The most likely diagnosis is:
- A Asbestosis
- B Byssinosis
- C Silicosis ✓
- D Coal workers' pneumoconiosis
Correct answer: C. Silicosis
Explanation
Silicosis is caused by inhalation of free crystalline silica (SiO₂) dust, classically in quarry workers, sandblasters, and stone cutters. The hallmark radiological feature is bilateral upper-lobe nodular fibrosis with 'eggshell calcification' of hilar lymph nodes (calcification at the periphery of the lymph node). It predisposes to tuberculosis (silicotuberculosis). Asbestosis causes lower-lobe fibrosis with pleural plaques.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.