11 Asbestos-Related Diseases

9. Diffuse Pleural Thickening

shutterstock_285565229

Diffuse pleural thickening is a condition that causes lesions on the pleura, making it thicker. It occurs in five to 13.5 percent of people exposed to asbestos and can be diagnosed only a year after exposure —  but diagnoses is made more commonly 15 to 30 years later. Official diagnosis is confirmed when there is a thickening of 1/4 of the pleura and it causes a decrease in patients’ lung function. Diffuse pleural thickening is usually not life-threatening, but it can be fatal in cases when the pleura is so thick that airflow becomes compromised.

Tagged .

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…

Leave a Comment