General and Systemic Histopathology, C601&C602 Pulmonary Diseases The lung is subject to injury in a number of ways including what may be termed "innocent bystander" conditions. In this laboratory, we will be looking at the full gamut of diseases, ranging from hyaline membrane disease of the newborn to metastatic carcinoma in the elderly. As will become evident, conditions that alter the oxygen exchange membrane's capacity to function will have almost immediate consequences. In this regard, you will want to understand the mechanism of pulmonary involvement in congestive heart failure, pulmonary embolization (think of all the various things that can embolize) and primary inflammatory conditions of the lung. Contrary to the public
posturing of the tobacco industry, smoking leads to increased incidences
of practically every pulmonary disorder. One of the most common smoking related
pulmonary diseases is emphysema, a condition in which pulmonary tissue is
lost for good. To understand the process of emphysema you will need to know
the difference between obstructive and restrictive conditions affecting of
the lung. Practically everyone knows of the association of smoking and lung
cancer, but what histological type of cancer is most common among smokers?
These and other fascinating issues will be addressed in the pages that follow.
Read on.
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