5. Diffuse Pleural Thickening
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.
Wondering how asbestos can enter our bodies? Here are two ways you should know about.
