Pleural Plaques

Pleural plaques are a nonmalignant condition caused by asbestos.  A plaque is a thickened patch on the pleura, which is a tissue lining the chest cavity.  Sometimes, over time, these plaques become calcified and are known as “calcified pleural plaques”.

Pleural plaques are not cancerous, nor do they cause cancer.  However, they are considered to be a “marker” of asbestos exposure.  If you are diagnosed as having pleural plaques, this is evidence that you have probably been exposed to asbestos.  This is especially true when the plaques are bilateral, meaning that there are plaques on the pleura of both lungs.  Like other asbestos-related diseases, pleural plaques have a significant latency period.  It takes at least seven years to develop pleural plaques after your first exposure to asbestos.

Pleural plaques are quite common and generally do not require any treatment.  In most cases, the plaques cause no symptoms.  In some cases, however, pleural plaques can cause a dull or pleuritic chest pain.  In severe cases, they can restrict the expansion of the lungs, causing shortness of breath or dypsnea.

Asbestos can also cause pleural thickening, which is a thickening of the lining of the lungs, with or without pleural plaques.  Like pleural plaques, pleural thickening is a noncancerous condition which is known to be a “marker” of asbestos exposure.  In severe cases, pleural thickening can also cause restriction and shortness of breath.

If you are told that you have pleural plaques or pleural thickening, it is important to stop smoking.  Because the plaques are a marker of asbestos exposure, you are at a heightened risk for lung cancer and mesothelioma.  You should also see your doctor for regular check-ups, and have a chest x-ray at least every two to five years.  You may also need to have a regular lung function test.