Pleural Plaques & Mesothelioma

pleural plaques are deposits of fibrous tissue that develop in the chest cavity as a result of asbestos exposure.  These deposits usually are found on the parietal pleura – the membrane that lines the chest wall.  Its opposite, the visceral pleura wraps around the lungs. 

They are the most common symptom of asbestos exposure; if they are the only symptom they are indicative of a relatively low level of exposure and inhalation of asbestos fibers.  They do not have any outwardly noticeable effect, although they may have minimal impact on lung capacity.  Generally they are noticed when they turn up on a chest X-ray.

The reason they are called plaques and the reason they can be seen on an X-ray is the fact that after a period of time they will calcify.  Then they appear as white strips attached to the chest wall.  Not all will appear on an X-ray; it depends on the degree to which they have calcified into a solid strip. 

pleural plaques are often the only evidence of asbestos exposure.  While the data is not sufficient for an accurate figure, it is estimated that after thirty years, one third to one half of individuals who had occupational exposure to asbestos will have developed calcified pleural plaques.  If that is all they have developed, they are the fortunate victims of asbestos exposure.

Most individuals who have developed asbestosis or mesothelioma cancer will have pleural plaques as well.  It appears to be the result of the body’s effort to expel the asbestos fibers – but instead of inflaming and ultimately creating cancer cells, the asbestos fibers create a fibrous collagen-based tissue which is benign and will ultimately calcify and pose no threat.

While pleural plaques pose no threat themselves, they are indicative of asbestos exposure and suggest that the patient should have regular checkups to ascertain that the impact of asbestos exposure has gone no further.  Some people exposed to asbestos will not develop pleural plaque but may have developed asbestosis or mesothelioma.  However medical studies have proven that individuals with pleural plaques are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who have been exposed to asbestos and have not developed them.

While pleural plaques themselves are benign and do not inhibit physical function, a condition known as diffuse pleural fibrosis can inhibit respiratory capability.  Individuals who have pleural plaques are at greater risk than others for developing diffuse pleural fibrosis.  In general, these benign fibrous strips that ultimately calcify are not a problem in and of themselves.  They are, however, indicative of increased likelihood for the development of other asbestos-related diseases as well as diffuse pleural fibrosis.  Those that are impacted only by pleural plaques should call themselves fortunate and schedule regular checkups on the condition of their pleural membranes. Still have questions about what is Mesothelioma?

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