DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
A doctor may diagnose silicosis based on the combination of an appropriate history of exposure to silica dust, compatible changes in chest imaging or lung pathology, and absence of plausible alternative diagnoses. A chest radiograph is often sufficient for diagnosis, but in some cases a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest can be helpful. Lung biopsy, a procedure where a sample of lung tissue is taken for lab examination, is not usually required if a compatible exposure history and findings on chest imaging are present. Pulmonary function tests and blood tests to measure the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood (arterial blood gases) can help in objectively assessing the level of impairment caused by silicosis.