Monitoring
Periodic follow-up with chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests to monitor for progression of fibrosis is common, but there are no studies to show this is more effective than only following up if there is a change in respiratory symptoms.
Regular follow-up to reinforce the need to cease smoking cigarettes is recommended for current smokers.
Identifying an effective screening modality for lung cancer, particularly among asbestos-exposed workers who smoke cigarettes, is highly desirable given their increased risk. Some clinicians perform periodic low-dose CT scans.
Fibulin-3, a biomarker measured in plasma or pleural fluid, can be used to distinguish individuals with asbestosis from patients with mesothelioma. However, the biomarker is not recommended as a screening tool for early detection.[40]
Some jurisdictions require diagnoses of asbestosis to be reported as part of mandatory public health reporting laws.
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