Plural Plaques and Plural Thickening
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Understanding Pleural Plaques and Pleural Thickening
This section provides insight into two asbestos-related conditions affecting the pleura, the sac surrounding the lungs.
Pleural Plaques
Pleural plaques are scarred areas on the pleura caused by asbestos exposure. These plaques are typically small and may not cause noticeable symptoms unless accompanied by other lung conditions.
Pleural Thickening
Pleural thickening occurs when a larger section of the lung lining is impacted by asbestos. This condition hinders the lung's ability to fully expand and contract, restricting the amount of oxygen the lungs can intake. Pleural thickening can significantly affect daily activities due to reduced lung capacity.
Health Implications
While neither pleural plaques nor pleural thickening are directly life-threatening, they serve as early warning signs of potential severe lung damage caused by asbestos exposure.