Silicosis and carcinoma of the lung

Abstract

Chronic irritation is a recognized factor in the causation of malignant epithelial growths and it would not, a priori, be surprising if an association were found to exist between pneumokoniosis and pulmonary cancer. With the notable and somewhat questionable exceptions of the observations upon Schneeberg and Joachimstal miners there has, however, been little to support this view. Nevertheless certain observations of ours (Dible, 1934) have urged us to examine the relationship of silicosis to malignancy in a more specific and comprehensive fashion than has hitherto been achieved. This paper records the results of our investigations, which it is thought may bear upon the aetiology of the condition.