Pleural thickening

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Pleural thickening
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

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

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

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

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

See also

• Pleural disease
• Pleural effusion
• Pneumothorax

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