Occupational Health Practice Questions

Q: A disease associated with prolonged exposure to silica dust during glass production, characterized by classic X-ray findings of calcified lymph nodes and pleural involvement, is most likely what disease?

Silicosis. ***Silicosis*** [1][2] - Prolonged exposure to **silica dust** during glass production leads to characteristic **X-ray findings** of calcified lymph nodes and an "eggshell" pattern. - Associated with **pleural involvement** resulting in fibrous plaques and a greater risk of developing **tuberculosis** [3]. *Anthracosis* [2] - Caused by exposure to **coal dust**, not silica, and primarily affects the **upper lobes** of the lungs. - X-ray findings do not show the classic "eggshell" pattern; they are primarily concerned with **black lung disease** changes. *Berylliosis* [2] - Results from exposure to **beryllium dust**, typically presenting with **granulomatous lung disease** rather than an eggshell pattern. - Less common and does not show significant pleural changes as seen in silicosis. *Byssinosis* - Associated with the inhalation of **cotton dust**, leading to respiratory issues, but lacks the calcified nodules characteristic of silicosis. - Symptoms often improve over a weekend, differentiating it from silicosis. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, p. 697. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, p. 695. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 697-698.

Q: Occupational cancer involves the following organs, except:

Breast. ***Breast*** - While breast cancer is a significant health concern, it is not consistently recognized as a primary site for **occupational cancer** directly linked to specific workplace exposures. - The major risk factors for breast cancer are typically **hormonal**, **genetic**, and related to **lifestyle**, rather than occupational carcinogens. *Lung* - The **lung** is a well-established site for occupational cancer, commonly associated with exposure to carcinogens like **asbestos**, **radon**, **silica**, and **polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)**. - Industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing have a higher risk of lung cancer due to inhaled occupational hazards. *Bladder* - The **bladder** is a recognized site for occupational cancer, particularly for workers exposed to **aromatic amines** and **benzidine-based dyes**. - Occupations in the chemical, rubber, and dye industries have historically shown increased rates of bladder cancer. *Liver* - The **liver** can be affected by occupational carcinogens such as **vinyl chloride** (leading to angiosarcoma of the liver) and **arsenic**. - Workers in plastics manufacturing and those exposed to certain industrial chemicals are at higher risk for liver cancers.

Q: A 45-year-old man presents with a dry cough, fatigue, and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy on chest X-ray. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Sarcoidosis. ***Silicosis*** - The patient's **occupation in a mine** suggests exposure to **silica dust**, leading to lung diseases including silicosis [1]. - **Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy** and dry cough are common findings, aligning well with the symptoms presented. *Tuberculosis* - Typically presents with **cough**, but more often with **hemoptysis** and systemic symptoms like **weight loss** and **night sweats**. - **Hilar lymphadenopathy** may be present, but not as clearly related to mining exposure as in silicosis. Notably, silicosis is associated with increased susceptibility to tuberculosis [1]. *Sarcoidosis* - Can cause **bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy** [2], but often presents with additional systemic symptoms and is less directly connected to occupational exposure to dust. - Frequently associated with **skin lesions** and **uveitis**, which are not mentioned in this case. *Asbestosis* - Primarily associated with **exposure to asbestos**, typically causing symptoms like **dyspnea** and **pulmonary fibrosis**, rather than hilar lymphadenopathy. - The occupational history does not support asbestosis, as mining exposure is more indicative of silicosis. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 697-698. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 700-701.

Question 1

A disease associated with prolonged exposure to silica dust during glass production, characterized by classic X-ray findings of calcified lymph nodes and pleural involvement, is most likely what disease?

Accepted Answer

Silicosis

Answer

Byssinosis

Answer

Berylliosis

Answer

Anthracosis

Question 2

Which of the following statements about N95 masks is true?

Accepted Answer

They were designed for occupational safety against various airborne particles.

Answer

It filters 95% of particles 0.3 microns and larger.

Answer

They are only effective against particles larger than 1 micron.

Answer

N stands for 'Not oil-resistant'.

Question 3

Occupational cancer involves the following organs, except:

Accepted Answer

Breast

Answer

Bladder

Answer

Liver

Answer

Lung

Question 4

A 45-year-old man presents with a dry cough, fatigue, and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy on chest X-ray. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Sarcoidosis

Answer

Silicosis

Answer

Tuberculosis

Answer

Asbestosis

Occupational Health — MCQs

Occupational Health — MCQs

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