All of the following statement are true regarding silicosis, except:
High-Yield Explanation
Silica occurs in both crystalline and amorphous forms, but crystalline forms (including quaz, cristobalite, and tridymite) are much more fibrogenic. After inhalation, the paicles are phagocytosed by macrophages. The phagocytosed silica crystals activate the inflammasome, leading to the release of inflammatory mediators, paicularly IL-1 and IL-18. As the disease progresses, these nodules coalesce into hard, collagenous scars. Histologic examination reveals the hallmark lesion characterized by a central area of whorled collagen fibers with a more peripheral zone of dust-laden macrophages.