Pleural thickening: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Pleural thickening | |||
| image = [[File:Asbestosis_-_Fibrous_pleural_plaque_(7468458430).jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Fibrous pleural plaque seen in pleural thickening | |||
| synonyms = Diffuse pleural thickening | |||
| specialty = [[Pulmonology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Chest pain]], [[shortness of breath]], [[cough]] | |||
| complications = [[Pleural effusion]], [[restrictive lung disease]] | |||
| onset = Gradual | |||
| duration = Long-term | |||
| causes = [[Asbestos]] exposure, [[tuberculosis]], [[empyema]] | |||
| risks = Occupational exposure to asbestos | |||
| diagnosis = [[Chest X-ray]], [[CT scan]] | |||
| differential = [[Pleural effusion]], [[mesothelioma]], [[lung cancer]] | |||
| treatment = Symptomatic management, [[surgery]] in severe cases | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on underlying cause | |||
| frequency = Common in individuals with asbestos exposure | |||
}} | |||
'''Pleural Thickening''' is a medical condition characterized by the thickening of the [[pleura]], the membrane that lines the inner side of the [[rib cage]] and surrounds the [[lungs]]. This condition is often caused by inflammation of the pleura and subsequent scarring. | '''Pleural Thickening''' is a medical condition characterized by the thickening of the [[pleura]], the membrane that lines the inner side of the [[rib cage]] and surrounds the [[lungs]]. This condition is often caused by inflammation of the pleura and subsequent scarring. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Pleural thickening can be caused by a number of factors, including: | Pleural thickening can be caused by a number of factors, including: | ||
* [[Pneumonia]]: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid. | * [[Pneumonia]]: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid. | ||
* [[Tuberculosis]]: This is a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. | * [[Tuberculosis]]: This is a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. | ||
| Line 9: | Line 26: | ||
* [[Mesothelioma]]: This is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium). | * [[Mesothelioma]]: This is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium). | ||
* [[Asbestosis]]: This is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. | * [[Asbestosis]]: This is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of pleural thickening can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include: | The symptoms of pleural thickening can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include: | ||
* Shortness of breath | * Shortness of breath | ||
* Chest pain | * Chest pain | ||
* Persistent cough | * Persistent cough | ||
* Fatigue | * Fatigue | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The diagnosis of pleural thickening is usually made through imaging tests such as a [[chest X-ray]] or [[CT scan]]. These tests can show the thickening of the pleura and other changes in the lungs. | The diagnosis of pleural thickening is usually made through imaging tests such as a [[chest X-ray]] or [[CT scan]]. These tests can show the thickening of the pleura and other changes in the lungs. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment for pleural thickening depends on the underlying cause. It may include: | The treatment for pleural thickening depends on the underlying cause. It may include: | ||
* Medications to treat infections or inflammation | * Medications to treat infections or inflammation | ||
* Surgery to remove the thickened pleura | * Surgery to remove the thickened pleura | ||
* [[Radiation therapy]] or [[chemotherapy]] for cancer | * [[Radiation therapy]] or [[chemotherapy]] for cancer | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Pleural disease]] | * [[Pleural disease]] | ||
* [[Pleural effusion]] | * [[Pleural effusion]] | ||
* [[Pneumothorax]] | * [[Pneumothorax]] | ||
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | [[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Pulmonology]] | [[Category:Pulmonology]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 22:16, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Pleural thickening | |
|---|---|
.jpg)
| |
| Synonyms | Diffuse pleural thickening |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Pulmonology |
| Symptoms | Chest pain, shortness of breath, cough |
| Complications | Pleural effusion, restrictive lung disease |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Asbestos exposure, tuberculosis, empyema |
| Risks | Occupational exposure to asbestos |
| Diagnosis | Chest X-ray, CT scan |
| Differential diagnosis | Pleural effusion, mesothelioma, lung cancer |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Symptomatic management, surgery in severe cases |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on underlying cause |
| Frequency | Common in individuals with asbestos exposure |
| Deaths | N/A |
Pleural Thickening is a medical condition characterized by the thickening of the pleura, the membrane that lines the inner side of the rib cage and surrounds the lungs. This condition is often caused by inflammation of the pleura and subsequent scarring.
Causes[edit]
Pleural thickening can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid.
- Tuberculosis: This is a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs.
- Pleural effusion: This is a buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity.
- Mesothelioma: This is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium).
- Asbestosis: This is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of pleural thickening can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of pleural thickening is usually made through imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan. These tests can show the thickening of the pleura and other changes in the lungs.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment for pleural thickening depends on the underlying cause. It may include:
- Medications to treat infections or inflammation
- Surgery to remove the thickened pleura
- Radiation therapy or chemotherapy for cancer
