What biopsy finding is associated with asbestosis?

• A. Linear asbestos bodies
• B. Calcified granulomas
• C. Viral inclusions
• D. Atypical cells

Answer: (A)

Asbestos exposure leaves a hallmark on lung tissue: ferruginous bodies, or asbestos bodies. These are asbestos fibers coated with an iron-containing protein by macrophages, forming iron-laden, golden-brown rods that can be seen within the alveolar walls and interstitium. Prussian blue staining can highlight the iron coating, helping confirm the finding. This histology reflects the body's response to inhaled fibers and the ensuing interstitial fibrosis characteristic of asbestosis. Other options don’t fit because calcified granulomas arise from healed granulomatous processes, viral inclusions indicate viral infections, and atypical cells point to neoplasia rather than foreign fibers with iron coating.