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Asbestos exposure is almost exclusively responsible for the development of pleural plaques, a condition which involves the thickening of the outer lining of the lungs (pleura). Pleural plaques typically appear within 20 to 50 years of first exposure to asbestos and although this condition is benign, it is not impossible for a form of cancer to affect the lungs in the future.
Meet Our LawyersWhen the accumulation of asbestos fibers in the lungs causes severe irritation, pleural plaques form. The average period of time during which this lung condition develops is 40 years. People who suffer from pleural plaques rarely experience distressing symptoms. Even though the risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer is relatively low after the occurrence of pleural plaques, it is recommended to undergo regular screenings, as a malignant disease may develop with this condition in certain cases.
Due to the absence of clear symptoms, pleural plaques are generally discovered incidentally, during chest X-rays or a CT scan. Fibrous thickening can occasionally extend to the diaphragm as well. The risk of developing pleural plaques increases with the duration of asbestos exposure. While pleural plaques are not usually accompanied by any signs, it is crucial to notify your physician immediately if you start experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, as they may indicate the onset of a more serious disease:
If you have a pleural plaques diagnosis and were exposed to asbestos in the workplace, seeking a second opinion from a specialist might be crucial for your prognosis. The rate of misdiagnosis is alarmingly high among asbestos victims, one of the reasons being the similarities asbestos-related diseases display in terms of symptoms and appearance. Having your lungs examined by multiple specialists will help you avoid misdiagnosis and may also allow you access to financial compensation.