11 Asbestos-Related Diseases

7. Pleural Plaques

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Pleural plaques, particularly common following asbestos exposure, are characterized by fibrous thickening of the lung lining (pleura). It can calcify over time. This condition is not considered severe or life-threatening, but when it becomes extremely thick patients may feel pain while breathing. About 1 to 6.8 percent of men older than 30 in western countries get them most. However, in populations exposed to asbestos, the incidence increases to 5 to 50 percent, according to other factors such as duration or concentration of asbestos exposure.

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Chris Comish serves as the Publisher of the website, and is responsible for directing the editorial focus as well as putting the finishing touches on many featured articles.

5 comments

  1. Mrs G Hickey says:

    My husband was diagnosed with asbestosis last fall. Is there a prognosis from this? I once read that, once diagnosed, a ten year span of degenerative lung problems can be expected, ending with death. Have I more to look forward to or is this about it?

  2. Mrs PMBuckley says:

    I worked for a asbestos company for 25years most in a works office. I had to walk through the works every day. I’ve recently been diagnosed with Broncichaosis could this have anything to do with where i worked.

  3. Janet tell Stanion says:

    I am a second generation asbestos victim..my father died of mesothelioma…I have pleural plaque in both lungs…and experiencing the bone on bone shoulder rubbing (as you called it)…I am seeing an orthopedic Dr. for the shoulder pain…but never connected it to asbestos until I saw this article…I would like to know more and show this to my Doctor…

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