Definition of the Day

Asbestos has been used for centuries, praised for its fire resistance, durability, and insulating properties. But its widespread use has also led to serious health consequences, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

To help demystify asbestos and its impact, we’ve created the Asbestos Lexicon—a comprehensive glossary of asbestos-related terms.

Each day, we feature a new term, giving you bite-sized insights into asbestos minerals, health risks, industry practices, and legal issues. Whether you’re a researcher, an advocate, or someone affected by asbestos exposure, our lexicon is a valuable resource for understanding the big picture.

Bronchoscopy :

Term: Bronchoscopy

Definition: Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that involves inserting a thin, flexible or rigid tube (bronchoscope) into the airways through the nose or mouth to examine the trachea, bronchi, and lungs for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Phonetic Pronunciation: (bron-KOS-kuh-pee)

Etymological Origin: The term originates from the Greek words bronchos (windpipe) and skopein (to look or examine). It was first used in the late 19th century when advancements in medical technology allowed for direct visualization of the airways.

Significance in Asbestos Context: Bronchoscopy is significant in the field of asbestos because it is often used to diagnose asbestos-related lung diseases, such as bronchogenic carcinoma (lung cancer) or to rule out other conditions like infections. It can also help collect tissue or fluid samples for biopsy to confirm the presence of asbestos fibers or related malignancies. This procedure is critical in both me...

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