Siderosis is the deposition of excess iron in body tissue. When used without qualification, it usually refers to an environmental disease of the lung, also known more specifically as pulmonary siderosis or Welders disease, which is a form of pneumoconiosis. Pulmonary siderosis was first described in 1936 from X-ray images of the lungs of arc welders.The name siderosis comes from Ancient Greek word for iron, sídēr(os), and has an -osis suffix. Signs and symptoms
Pulmonary siderosis doesnt usually cause harmful scar tissue formation within the lungs, which is why it said to be non-fibrotic condition, unlike asbestosis for example, and has also been called "benign pneumoconiosis".Mild to moderate scarring of the lungs has been found in unusual cases of pulmonary siderosis. These people have had persistent breathlessness, coughing and decreased lung function. However, people in occupations where they are exposed to iron (or rust) dust are usually also exposed to other forms of dust such as silica, which upon repeated inhalation is known to cause dangerous silicosis. Because of this, it is not known for certain whether the inhalation of pure iron or rust can cause detrimental scarring of the lungs that has been seen in some cases of pulmonary siderosis. Still, studies have shown lack of silica in tissue samples collected from people with pulmonary siderosis.
Increases in androgen (male hormone) levels are the primary cause of most hirsutism cases. If caused by increased levels of androgens, it can be treated with medications that reduce androgen levels. Some birth control pills and spironolactone reduce androgen levels. Signs and symptoms
The primary characteristic of all forms of hypertrichosis is excessive hair. Hair in hypertrichosis is usually longer than expected and may consist of any hair type (lanugo, vellus, or terminal). Patterned forms of hypertrichosis cause hair growth in patterns. Generalized forms of hypertrichosis result in hair growth over the entire body. Circumscribed and localized forms lead to hair growth restricted to a certain area. Cause
Genetic
Hypertrichosis lanuginosa
Congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa may be caused by a paracentric inversion mutation of the q22 band of chromosome 8; however, it could also possibly be the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation rather than inheritance. This form is an autosomal (not located on the sex chromosomes) dominant cutaneous disorder, that affects the skin. Generalized hypertrichosis
Congenital generalized hypertrichosis has a dominant pattern of inheritance and has been linked to chromosome Xq24-27.1. An affected female (carrying the hypertrichosis gene) has a 50% chance of passing it to her offspring. An affected male will pass this form of hypertrichosis to his daughters, but never the sons. Generalized hypertrichosis terminalis
Congenital generalized hypertrichosis terminalis is thought to be caused by genetic changes on chromosome 17 resulting in the addition or removal of millions of nucleotides. The gene MAP2K6 may be a factor contributing to this condition.