What are Pleural Plaques?
The most common injury caused by asbestos exposure
is pleural plaques, which appear as white or yellow
thickening on the pleura. They often appear frequently
bilateral (involving both lungs) and symmetric and occur particularly on the posterolateral
chest wall between the 5th and 8th ribs, over the mediaftinal pleura and on the
dome of the diaphragm.
Pleural plaques typically develops 20-30 years after exposure and
appear more commonly if the patient has had exposure to asbestos heavily or over
a long period of time. They develop in, as many as, 50% of asbestos exposed
workers, but may also occur after low dose exposures.
Studies indicate that patients with extensive pleural plaques
do have restricted lung function and presumptions. This is often
presumed the result of underlying asbestosis that x-rays have not detected.
Unlike pleural thickening, x-rays can easily detect the well defined
margins of pleural plaques.
It is not possible to claim compensation for pleural plaques in England and Wales.
The law will shortly change in Scotland to enable victims to continue to claim compensation
through the courts.
Find out more on Pleural Plaques
Download our guide to pleural plaques to find out more information on
current case law, claiming compensation and the symptoms.
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