Pleural Plaque



Pleural plaques are very important markers of asbestos exposure. White, smooth, raised areas of tissue found on the inner surfaces of the ribcage, diaphragm, and pleura, these are usually calcified and can range in size from small to large. Asbestos is a thin mineral fiber used mainly in construction materials (such as roof and floor tiles and insulators) because of its fiber strength and heat resistance. Exposure to asbestos, where asbestos is released into the air due to negligence or faulty workmanship or product, can lead to several life altering illnesses including mesothelioma, asbestosis and asbestos lung cancer.

Pleural plaques may never become cancerous, but medical evidence suggests that the presence of pleural plaques increases one's risk for developing mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they travel through the lymphatic system or the blood stream, working their way into the outer lining of the lung, known as the pleura. These fibers inflame the surrounding tissues, leading to the scarring that eventually develops into pleural plaques. . The thickening of tiny alveoli in the lungs which pass oxygen to the blood stream along with scarring of the lungs due to the body's auto immune system attempting to dissolve lung tissue containing asbestos deposits cause reduced lung capacity. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is almost certain to develop pleural plaques, even if their exposure was limited. Because pleural plaques do not produce any symptoms, however, they may not be detected for 20 to 40 years following the asbestos exposure. Pleural plaques are most often identified when X-rays or CT scans are taken to diagnose other medical problems. If no other lung damage has occurred, pleural plaques seldom interfere with a person's breathing.

However, if asbestos exposure continues, the pleura can thicken to such an extent that it does interfere with breathing. Pleural thickening also appears in many lung conditions not caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure is a job related hazard for people working in the mining of asbestos; construction workers working directly with asbestos especially in renovating, demolishing or building houses or other structures; shipyard workers; or workers involved in manufacturing of asbestos related products such as insulation or textiles. Even dentists are said to have been affected according to studies. The only way to prevent pleural plaques and other asbestos-related lung damage is to eliminate asbestos exposure. If you work with asbestos-containing materials, be sure that your company is following proper asbestos safety procedures and that you always comply with these measures. If you live in home that might contain asbestos materials, consult with an asbestos removal specialist to determine if these materials are safely intact.

Pleural plaques act as warnings for doctors to recognize the possibility of asbestos exposure. When pleural plaques are first discovered, your health care provider should carefully evaluate your history of asbestos exposure and check for other signs of asbestos-related disease. If you are later diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, doctors will specifically treat that problem. Pleural plaques are permanent scars and are not treated as a separate condition. Removing asbestos-containing materials can sometimes lead to asbestos exposure. All asbestos removal and abatement should be carried out by trained professionals wearing protective equipment. If you must remove asbestos-containing materials yourself, be sure to use proper removal and disposal procedures throughout the project. In addition, make sure to consult your local or state health department for advice on asbestos removal regulations. Failure to follow appropriate regulations can not only lead to health hazards, but stiff fines as well.

Since pleural plaques are not life threatening, there may be no need to remove them. You may be encouraged to get regular check-ups, though, so your doctor can monitor the pleural plaques and watch for signs of other asbestos-related diseases. Although pleural plaques alone do not put you in immediate danger, they are evidence that you were likely exposed to asbestos – and they signal an increased risk for more serious conditions like mesothelioma and asbestosis. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We make no representations or warranties as to the completeness of the content of this Website. You acknowledge that any reliance on material found on this Website will be at your own risk and you are requested to take independent legal advice.


pleural plaque was rated 7 out of 10 based on
11 ratings .11 user reviews .

Q:How are asbestos pleural plaques related to mesothelioma?

A:According to research studies, asbestos pleural plaques have been linked to mesothelioma. Although asbestos pleural plaques are not cancerous themselves, these can increase the risk of a person developing mesothelioma. Pleural plaques are usually identified through x-ray, and are becoming increasingly common nowadays. They are usually benign and are not a source of sever threat.

Q:How do I find out if I have developed asbestosis pleural plaques? I want to hold someone accountable for possibly giving me cancer.

A:Asbestosis pleural plaques are whitish patches of hardened skin that appear on the pleural surface that lines the outsides of the lungs, just beneath the rib cage. They are usually composed of calcium deposits and are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. They typically don't have any symptoms and take anywhere from 20 to 40 years to lead towards cancer and so are only detected in chest x-rays.

Q:Are all bilateral pleural plaques detectable via X-ray?

A:It is not necessary that all bilateral pleural plaques can be detected through an x-ray. In order for the bilateral pleural plaque to be detectable, it must achieve a density of at least 8%-40%. Most cases of bilateral pleural plaques are linked to the exposure of asbestos. Treatment for this condition will depend upon the severity of the case.

Q:What forms Calcified Pleural Plaque?

A:Calcified Pleural Plaque is usually formed by asbestos fibers. Once these fibers are inhaled, they travel through the blood system and accumulate on the outer surface of the lung. This leads to scarring and inflammation of the tissue that causes pleural plaques. Majority cases of Calcified Pleural Plaque are caused by asbestos.

Q:What are calcified pleural plaques and what do they have to do with asbestos exposure?

A:Calcified pleural plaques are simply raised white lesions on the underside of the rib cage, on the surface of the diaphragm or located in the pleural space on the outside of the lungs. The accumulation of calcium deposits in the form of these hardened tissue based structures is triggered by exposure to asbestos fibers and though do not pose as becoming malignant, yet are red flags for developing mesothelioma and are usually detected during chest X-rays.

Q:What is the most common cause of pleural plaque?

A:Pleural plaque is rarely caused by something other than exposure to asbestos. Some researchers have proposed that inhaling erionite fibers can also lead to pleural plaque formation. According to study results, about fifty percent of the people who are exposed to asbestos for longer time periods end up developing this disease.

Q:What exactly are pleural plaques?

A:Usually found on the diaphragm's inner side, pleural plaques are scars that form due to collagen fiber accumulation. Pleural plaques can even be found around the ribcage. They are the most frequent sign that becomes apparent after prolonged inhalation of minerals known as asbestos. Asbestos were widely used in the past as an ingredient in insulation materials. Even though pleural plaques are usually malignant, they signify that the patient has been previously exposed to asbestos.

Q:Do all pleural plaques asbestos lead towards mesothelioma?

A:According to statistics, almost 80% of all pleural plaques are benign, meaning that they are not cancerous, at least at the time of detection. This is usually true in the case when they are smaller than 1 inch in diameter and stay within these parameters. However, if these calcified pleural plaques have been caused by asbestos, they usually exceed these dimensions and thus have to be treated as soon as possible.

Q:Are the pleural plaques causes only asbestos?

A:Asbestos is not the only cause of a pleural plaque but in the majority of cases it is the most common cause. This is because asbestos fibers find their way into the lungs where they start to damage the lining of the lungs and excess fluid occurs. Other causes include pneumonia or other infections

Q:I need to know the pleural plaques definition urgently as I have to decide what to do about the anomalies that have shown up in my latest chest x-ray. If they turn out to be so, does that mean I have cancer?

A:Plural plaques are typically a scarring of the pleural tissue that covers the outside of the lungs and protects it from excessive rubbing and abrasion against the inside of the rib cage. When such scarring becomes calcified and forms small lesions, it is characterized as pleural plagues, which by definition are not necessarily cancerous. They have to be typically more than 20 mm across and even then further tests are required such as a CAT scan to be sure.

Q:What causes pleural plaquing? Does this have something to do with asbestos?

A:Firstly, the correct operative term is pleural plaques that are small calcified lesions that form on the pleural region of the lungs. This either lies on the outside of the lungs, right beneath the ribs or around the diaphragm. The onset of pleural plaques is triggered by the inhalation of asbestos fibers that get lodged on the pleural region and lead to calcification of the external lung tissue.

Ask your Question


* All Fields are Required

Speak To Program Advisors Call:
(855)790-9347