What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Coal miner’s Lung
B. Asbestosis
C. Silicosis
D. Tuberculosis
Answer and Explanation:
Answer: A. Coal miner’s lung
Explanation:
Coal miner’s lung → Inhalation of coal dust → carbon-laden macrophages → black pigmentation, may progress to progressive massive fibrosis. Image matches this.
The lung specimen shown is markedly black and pigmented, especially along the interlobular septa and around bronchioles.This is characteristic of Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis (Coal miner’s lung).
Other options:
B. Asbestosis → Diffuse interstitial fibrosis, mainly in lower lobes; classically with ferruginous bodies (golden-brown, beaded, dumbbell-shaped). Not seen here.
C. Silicosis → Multiple small, hard, rounded nodules, typically in upper lobes; histology shows birefringent silica particles under polarized light. Lungs appear more nodular than diffusely black.
D. Tuberculosis → Caseating granulomas, cavitations, apical involvement; not diffuse pigmentation.