Silicosis
Diagnosis

In making a diagnosis of silicosis, your doctor will start by taking a detailed medical and occupational history and conducting a thorough medical examination.

The following tests may also be conducted to make a definite diagnosis:

• Chest X-ray A chest X-ray may be taken to look for any abnormalities in your lungs. In chronic silicosis, small round opaque areas appear on the lungs.
• Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) This test involves a series of breathing maneuvers that measure the airflow and volume of air in your lungs, which allows your doctor to objectively assess the function of your lungs.
• Bronchoscopy This test involves passing a flexible fiberoptic scope, about the diameter of a pencil, into the lungs to obtain fluid and sometimes tissue samples to aid in diagnosis.