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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Crystallization Of Lungs?

my husband had a chest exray and they said they saw some crystalization in his lungs and want to do a CT scan with contrast. This is very expensive and we don't have insurance. What does this crystalization mean? He is 60 and is a carpenter and has been working with asbestos in the past.
Tue, 16 Aug 2016
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Crystallization of lungs means fibrotic thickening of lungs.
This is commonly seen with chronic dust or chemicals orally Fumes exposure.
Actually, they all cause inflammation in lungs when inhaled chronically.
This continuous inflammation will cause fibrosis and thickening of lung parenchyma. And these will appear as Crystallization on chest x ray. This kind of diseases are commonly seen with asbestos, silica exposure.
Chest x ray is just a screening tool. We have to go for CT scan to confirm this.
So CT scan is mandatory in his case.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.
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What Causes Crystallization Of Lungs?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Crystallization of lungs means fibrotic thickening of lungs. This is commonly seen with chronic dust or chemicals orally Fumes exposure. Actually, they all cause inflammation in lungs when inhaled chronically. This continuous inflammation will cause fibrosis and thickening of lung parenchyma. And these will appear as Crystallization on chest x ray. This kind of diseases are commonly seen with asbestos, silica exposure. Chest x ray is just a screening tool. We have to go for CT scan to confirm this. So CT scan is mandatory in his case. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.