Silicosis By Abigail R Lara, MD, University of Colorado Reviewed / Revised May 2020 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Etiology Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Key Points Topic Resources Silicotic Nodule Silicosis—Simple Silicosis—Simple (Upper Lung... Silicosis—Eggshell Calcifications Silicosis—Conglomerate Silicosis is caused by inhalation of unbound (free) crystalline silica dust and is characterized by nodular pulmonary fibrosis.