Summary

• Disease onset occurs ≥10 years following the initial exposure to asbestos.
• Patients may be asymptomatic or have progressive shortness of breath.
• CXR is the preferred initial test.
• There is no definitive treatment.
• Cigarette smoking cessation is important to reduce risk of lung cancer.
• Prognosis is related to extent of fibrosis noted at diagnosis and past cumulative exposure to asbestos.