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 dont have insurance. What does this crystalization mean? He is 60 and is a carpenter and has been working with asbestos in the past.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. 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 parenchymal. 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.