Pleural Fibrosis and Calcification
Fibrosis is a term which refers to thickening and the formation of scarring around the lungs. Frequently without symptoms and following a slow onset it causes respiratory difficulties.
Calcification of focal plaque like pleural fibrosis can occur up to 20 years following exposure to asbestos dust with the size of plaques ranging from a few millimetres to 10cm. Calcification often affects the parietal and diaphragmatic pleura and seldom the costophrenic angle. The presence of pleural plaques is evidence of asbestos exposure which are usually found in the lower two thirds of the lung often bilaterally (in both lungs).
The condition of pleural fibrosis presents similar symptoms to other respiratory conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis and asbestosis and can be caused by asbestos exposure or following pleural inflammation such as pneumonia, surgical trauma or pleural effusions.
The formation of fibrosis prevents the lungs from operating properly as the lungs become hardened and less flexible making breathing difficult. A chest x-ray or CT Scan is used to determine extent of the thickening which is often referred to as ‘trapped lung’.
If you have been diagnosed with pleural fibrosis, pleural plaques or pleural thickening or you are undergoing medical investigations and believe you have been exposed to asbestos dust in your workplace call us today on 0141 333 6750 or speak to us via our LIVE CHAT.
Alternatively you might wish to email us at info@scottishasbestoshelpline.co.uk.
