Question

In silicosis the silica particles can be seen

• A. As needle shaped crystal by light microscopy
• B. As needle shaped crystals under polarized light
• C. As maltese cross shaped crystal by light microscopy
• D. As maltese cross shaped crystals under polarized light

Answer 1

The correct option is B As needle shaped crystals under polarized light

Silicosis is a lung disorder caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica. It is characterized by the fibrotic nodules with the concentric onion-skinned arrangement of collagen fibres, central hyalinization, and a cellular peripheral zone, with light birefringent particles seen under polarized light. When viewed by polarized light, the above section reveals numerous small crystals that are needle-shaped particles in tissue.