Silicosis is a type of pneumoconiosis where silicon dioxide is deposited in the airways, causing directly toxic effects on the lung parenchyma and also activating macrophages and the inflammatory cascades which is thought to exacerbate the damage. Occupational exposure to sandstone, quartz, or granite is the most critical risk factor for the development of silicosis. Acute forms of the disease can occur, but an insidious, chronic course is common, as in the present case. There are currently no specific therapies for silicosis and best treatment is only removal of the source of exposure; as with other occupational exposure lung disease, lung transplant can be considered. 

This case was submitted with supervision and input from:
Soni C Chawla, M.D.
Health Sciences Clinical Professor,
Department of Radiological Sciences,
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Attending Radiologist,
Olive View - UCLA Medical Center.