Mesothelioma Lawyer
What are Pleural Plaques
If you have been exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period of time, then you may have developed a phenomenon in your lungs that is known as “pleural plaques.” Of the four possible conditions that one can develop from long-term inhalation of asbestos, pleural plaques are the most common. Alongside asbestosis and diffuse pleural thickening, these plaques are also benign, meaning that they are not cancerous. Despite that fact, however, pleural plaques do have the potential to cause numerous health problems for the affected individual.
How are Pleural Plaques Formed?
Pleural plaques are smooth and unnatural areas of collagen bundles located on the outer lining of the lung. These features always contain asbestos fibers inside of them and over time, they may become calcified. While they are not cancerous, pleural plaques tend to increase one’s risk of cancer.
While exposure to asbestos is not the only cause of pleural plaque formation, it does cause the formation of this phenomenon in 80% of the diagnosed individuals. While confidently factual information on the formation of pleural plaques is not currently known, scientists have developed a theory that they arise from asbestos fiber transmission to the lung lining via the lymph system.
What are the Symptoms of Pleural Plaques?
Aside from upping one’s vulnerability to cancer, pleural plaques do not usually cause any other health issues. They act more so as an indicator of one’s previous exposure to asbestos. People who have developed pleural plaques are recommended to attain a thorough medical check-up to ensure that no other lung or health problems are present in the body, as well.
Contact Us
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with pleural plaques, please contact a mesothelioma lawyer of Williams Kherkher today at 800-781-3955.
