An asbestos-exposed power station worker has primary lung cancer, bilateral pleural plaques but no asbestosis. He is a 30 pack-year smoker. Insurer

Question

An asbestos-exposed power station worker has primary lung cancer, bilateral pleural plaques but no asbestosis. He is a 30 pack-year smoker. Insurer argues cancer is from smoking. What is the most accurate assessment?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos and smoking have synergistic (multiplicative) effect on lung cancer risk, pleural plaques confirm significant exposure supporting occupational contribution even without asbestosis

Answer

Only relevant if exposure exceeds 25 fibre-years

Answer

Cancer only attributable to asbestos if asbestosis present

Answer

Lung cancer in smokers can never be attributed to asbestos

Answer

Cancer entirely due to asbestos as plaques prove causation

Asbestos lung cancer attribution — DOccMed MCQ

An asbestos-exposed power station worker has primary lung cancer, bilateral pleural plaques but no asbestosis. He is a 30 pack-year smoker. Insurer argues cancer is from smoking. What is the most accurate assessment?