Pleural Thickening

This can occur in two forms; Diffuse Pleural thickening and Pleural Plaques. Pleural Thickening can be caused when asbestos fibres settle in the lung tissues and irritate the pleura causing scarring and hardening. However this condition can be caused by other illnesses such as embolisms and tumours; whereas Pleural Plaques is only caused by asbestos exposure.

Pleural Thickening is diagnosed with the help of X rays and CT scans. There is no treatment for this condition as it is considered benign, but symptoms include breathlessness and tightness across the chest.

   

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