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Also known as folded lung or Blesovsky syndrome, round atelectasis occurs when a portion of the lung gradually collapses as a result of tissue scarring. On X-rays, this condition appears as a round mass, which can easily be mistaken for a cancerous tumor. Round atelectasis is frequently related to asbestos exposure, since the fibers accumulated on the surface of the pleura can cause severe tissue scarring.
Meet Our LawyersExtensive lung tissue scarring, which commonly develops within several decades after the person was exposed to asbestos, may result in round atelectasis – the collapse of an outer portion of the organ. Pleural effusion and pleural thickening may also be present with this condition. The diagnostic of round atelectasis is quite challenging due to its resemblance with a malignant tumor. Nevertheless, lung cancer can sometimes co-occur with it, which only makes it more difficult for specialists to assign a correct and complete diagnosis.
In the majority of cases, individuals suffering from round atelectasis do not experience any symptoms, hence the crucial importance of regular screenings if you have a history of asbestos exposure. This lung condition often occurs before the onset of a more serious disease. However, depending on the severity of the lung damage, people with round atelectasis may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
People diagnosed with round atelectasis as a consequence of past asbestos exposure are at high risk of developing mesothelioma and lung cancer. If this is also your case, we strongly advise you to undergo a series of tests (chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests and a CT scan) twice a year under the guidance of a specialist in pulmonary disease. By having your lungs evaluated regularly, a potential disease will be timely detected and you will be able to undergo effective treatment before it progresses. Last but not least, because misdiagnosis happens frequently when it comes to asbestos-related diseases, it is also a wise idea to seek a second opinion, preferably from a more experienced medical specialist.