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Diffuse pleural thickening

processing claims for over 50 years

This condition develops when asbestos fibers on the outer lining of the lungs gradually cause tissue scarring, which eventually leads to the thickening of the pleura. While pleural plaques concern a small region of the lungs affected by tissue thickening, diffuse pleural thickening entails the scarring of a larger surface of the pleura. Diffuse pleural thickening may be a forerunner of lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos screening is a must as the asbestos fibers are well distinguishable on a chest X-ray.

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With a diffuse pleural thickening diagnosis you will need to travel to our medical facility in Birmingham, AL if you wish to receive compensation. Additional no-charge testing will be required, generally a chest x-ray and a physical exam.

Call 205.328.9200 Asbestos Screening

Up to 13% of individuals exposed to asbestos in the workplace will develop pleural thickening

Unlike pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening is often accompanied by distressing symptoms, the most common being shortness of breath, which is experienced by over 95% of the patients. In the majority of cases, diffuse pleural thickening is the result of past asbestos exposure and the condition appears within 3 to 34 years after the first contact with airborne fibers. Although this lung condition is not malignant, it often develops into mesothelioma, particularly if the individual has a long history of asbestos exposure.

Initially, diffuse pleural thickening does not cause any distress to the patient, but as the illness progresses, they will start experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:

  • chest tightness
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain which intensifies with physical exertion
  • difficulty breathing
  • a persistent cough
  • reduced movement of the chest wall

If you were/are a smoker and were diagnosed with lung diseases and have occupational military or industrial exposure to asbestos, we can look into eligibility for a claim for you.

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Consultation & advice

If you were diagnosed with diffuse pleural thickening, monitoring your health regularly is essential and will help your doctor timely detect a potential onset of mesothelioma. It is recommended to undergo a series of tests (chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests and CT scans) two times a year. We also encourage you to seek a second opinion from a specialist in asbestos diseases, regardless of your diagnosis, as the rate of misdiagnosis is alarmingly high among asbestos victims.

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