A shipbreaking yard worker is found to have pleural plaques on CT chest, with restrictive pattern on PFT and a history of 20 years of asbestos exposure. The MOST characteristic neoplastic complication specifically linked to asbestos (not seen with silica) is:
- A Bronchogenic carcinoma
- B Malignant mesothelioma ✓
- C Laryngeal carcinoma
- D Colorectal adenocarcinoma
Correct answer: B. Malignant mesothelioma
Explanation
Malignant mesothelioma is causally and specifically linked to asbestos exposure (particularly amphibole fibres: crocidolite > amosite > chrysotile). It affects the pleural and peritoneal mesothelium and has a latency of 20–50 years. Silica causes silicosis but is not significantly associated with mesothelioma. Bronchogenic carcinoma is also increased by asbestos but is not specific (tobacco, radon, and other exposures also cause it). Asbestos-bronchogenic carcinoma risk is synergistically amplified by concurrent smoking.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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