Pleural Plaques is a condition which is caused by asbestos fibres. Although it does not usually cause any symptoms having the condition shows that you have indeed been exposed to asbestos. The condition is usually diagnosed after a chest X-ray. The patient is often referred for a chest X-ray by their GP as a result of something unconnected with their Pleural Plaques, such as a chest infection.
Being diagnosed with Pleural Plaques does not mean that you will necessarily go on to develop a more serious asbestos-related condition. In fact the chances are that you will not. Only about 10% of people with pleural plaques develop another asbestos-related condition. You therefore have only a one in ten chance of developing anything else. In other words you have a 90% chance of staying fit and healthy!
Pleural Plaques do not develop into a more serious asbestos condition. The fact that you have been exposed to asbestos does however mean that you are at a higher risk of developing Pleural Thickening or Mesothelioma. If you have been exposed to a very high dose of asbestos then you also have an increased risk of developing Asbestosis and/or Lung Cancer. These risks are usually very small, however.
It is entirely natural that you are worried that you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition. It does not mean that you are necessarily going to develop a symptomatic asbestos condition in the future, though.
For more information please contact Cenric Clement-Evans or Lorraine Evans on (01685) 371122. Alternatively email asbestos@hughjames.com.
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