{"id":119,"date":"2018-06-05T14:58:34","date_gmt":"2018-06-05T14:58:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arirespiratory.scot.nhs.uk\/?page_id=119"},"modified":"2018-06-06T09:45:55","modified_gmt":"2018-06-06T09:45:55","slug":"pleural-plaques","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.arirespiratory.scot.nhs.uk\/?page_id=119","title":{"rendered":"Pleural plaques"},"content":{"rendered":"<section id=\"h.p_ftVg7RPqz_n0\" class=\"yaqOZd\">\n<div class=\"mYVXT\">\n<div class=\"LS81yb VICjCf\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc\">\n<div class=\"oKdM2c\">\n<div id=\"h.p_ZYF6bFPzz_n2\" class=\"hJDwNd-AhqUyc-OwsYgb jXK9ad D2fZ2 OjCsFc wHaque\">\n<div class=\"jXK9ad-SmKAyb jXK9ad-SmKAyb-c4YZDc\">\n<div class=\"tyJCtd baZpAe\">\n<div class=\"t3iYD\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"CENy8b\" role=\"img\" src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/z-C0Ks9T4sH29UVcTfIw6AzGE3W9HiOYpv-3BTCMWpTzRNMGu12HuvKe-kpvD7sdYZ0R7J1swyd8-hkGwkuoYvBtzf6pxIC5_nCn_xy9Bwnayn4eVWM=w673\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hJDwNd-AhqUyc-ibL1re jXK9ad D2fZ2 OjCsFc wHaque L6cTce-purZT L6cTce-pSzOP\">\n<div class=\"jXK9ad-SmKAyb jXK9ad-SmKAyb-c4YZDc\">\n<div class=\"tyJCtd baZpAe\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"h.p_xGCe8RAfLMZV\" class=\"yaqOZd\">\n<div class=\"yaqOZd IFuOkc\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"mYVXT\">\n<div class=\"LS81yb VICjCf\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd purZT-AhqUyc-II5mzb pSzOP-AhqUyc-qWD73c JNdkSc\">\n<div class=\"oKdM2c\">\n<div id=\"h.p_KY6qtj1QLMZR\" class=\"hJDwNd-AhqUyc-uQSCkd jXK9ad D2fZ2 OjCsFc wHaque GNzUNc\">\n<div class=\"jXK9ad-SmKAyb jXK9ad-SmKAyb-c4YZDc\">\n<div class=\"tyJCtd mGzaTb baZpAe\">\n<h1 id=\"h.p_3HAstWejLMZU\" class=\"zfr3Q duRjpb\">Pleural plaques &#8211; patient information<\/h1>\n<h2 id=\"h.p_GJPpwYcP4BAQ\" class=\"zfr3Q JYVBee\">What are they?<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"n8H08c UVNKR\">\n<li id=\"h.p_5Fmv5Ntd4UFV\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\"><a class=\"dhtgD\" href=\"http:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clydesideactiononasbestos.org.uk%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F01%2FCAA-Pleural-Plaques-Leaflet-December-2015.pdf&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNFcBy6_Bq8bQRgYd7jZQPwtO09aIQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pleural plaques<\/a> are areas of thickening that occur in the lining of the lung.<\/li>\n<li id=\"h.p_wDVKbNxv4_St\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">They are often discovered incidentally e.g. when a chest X-ray or a CT scan are performed for another reason.<\/li>\n<li id=\"h.p_jDEw-YqN5AOD\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">Over time they become more obvious to see on a chest X-ray since calcium becomes deposited in them. If calcium is not in them then they may not be seen on a chest X-ray.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"h.p_BCBcbc7G4UM2\" class=\"zfr3Q JYVBee\">What causes pleural plaques?<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"n8H08c UVNKR\">\n<li id=\"h.p_DGFe3oPb4BAR\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">They are most commonly caused by asbestos dust exposure, often many decades earlier.<\/li>\n<li id=\"h.p_NSjzb2bi59CA\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">These can occur in 10-20% of people who have been exposed to asbestos, so are very common.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"h.p_X1LfLWQS6WDk\" class=\"zfr3Q JYVBee\">Do pleural plaques cause symptoms?<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"n8H08c UVNKR\">\n<li id=\"h.p__cmxA5eQ6Yjr\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">They typically do not cause any symptoms, unless very extensive (this is rare).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"h.p_yZ5FlUOh4BAR\" class=\"zfr3Q JYVBee\">Are they important?<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"n8H08c UVNKR\">\n<li id=\"h.p_lEdX1sJF6RXg\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">They do not develop into cancer or any other asbestos related condition. They are simply a marker of past exposure to asbestos. Often the person with pleural plaques will recollect previous asbestos exposure, often related to work when they were much younger.<\/li>\n<li id=\"h.p_Bz86dINL6pU2\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">However a diagnosis of pleural plaques does suggest that a person <em>has<\/em> been exposed to asbestos and therefore that person will have an increased risk (albeit very small) of developing other more serious complications e.g. <a class=\"dhtgD\" href=\"http:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clydesideactiononasbestos.org.uk%2Fasbestos-related-disease%2Fmesothelioma&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNEbFuiR2Y5ng7fV_rvlZbCiXzag0g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mesothelioma<\/a>, <a class=\"dhtgD\" href=\"http:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clydesideactiononasbestos.org.uk%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F01%2FCAA-Pleural-Thickening-Leaflet-December-2015.pdf&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNEnQ2WZjHt4Al5WbbdOFSEbyJ1thg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">diffuse pleural thickening<\/a>, <a class=\"dhtgD\" href=\"http:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clydesideactiononasbestos.org.uk%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F01%2FCAA-Asbestosis-Leaflet-December-2015.pdf&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNH3wd090XiXeKPgccsPO2GmRd011w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">asbestosis<\/a>, <a class=\"dhtgD\" href=\"http:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clydesideactiononasbestos.org.uk%2Fasbestos-related-disease%2Flung-cancer&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNGvWdTtlpwwb6DhX1_PgrV13QSldA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">asbestos related lung cancer<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li id=\"h.p_rhR8t1_i64zA\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">It should be stressed that the vast majority of people exposed to asbestos dust do <em>not<\/em> develop any of the more serious complications, but should be aware if they develop breathlessness, cough, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss they should see their GP for assessment, and get a chest X-ray (as a minimum). Sometimes other tests are necessary in these circumstances e.g. a CT scan, Chest Clinic referral.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"h.p_FA6fdbbA4BAS\" class=\"zfr3Q JYVBee\">What about compensation?<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"n8H08c UVNKR\">\n<li id=\"h.p_Jy2Cphlf4BAT\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">Sometimes it is possible to claim <a class=\"dhtgD\" href=\"http:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clydesideactiononasbestos.org.uk%2Fcompensation-and-benefits&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNFHGS0LhX3AsLrztMsmvVLHQ3dgmg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">compensation<\/a> for the worry associated with having pleural plaques, and the small risk that other asbestos related lung disease can develop.<\/li>\n<li id=\"h.p_llinYfrQ8ktb\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">In Scottish law you have 3 years to make a claim, from the date you were first informed about having pleural plaques. The process of making a claim can take a couple of years, so it is important that you seek advice at an early stage.<\/li>\n<li id=\"h.p_qOYeUcks9KpJ\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">The law is different in Scotland compared to England. You can pursue a claim for pleural plaques in Scotland, but not in England.<\/li>\n<li id=\"h.p_kQ2nqC1P8WWy\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">There are 2 Scottish charities that we recommend you contact &#8211; either <a class=\"dhtgD\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aberdeenlungs.com\/for-patients\/asbestos-action-tayside\">Asbestos Action Tayside<\/a> or <a class=\"dhtgD\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aberdeenlungs.com\/for-patients\/clydeside-action-on-asbestos\">Clydeside Action on Asbestos<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li id=\"h.p_a3yXM0EA8Qmn\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">These charities can advise whether it is appropriate for you to pursue a claim and can help you fill out the relevant paperwork.<\/li>\n<li id=\"h.p_7zzMfBll88OW\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\">Even if the companies you worked for have gone out of business, there are other routes of claim via their insurers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"h.p_Yzj3mHQu4BAT\" class=\"zfr3Q JYVBee\">Want more detailed information about pleural plaques?<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"n8H08c UVNKR\">\n<li id=\"h.p_U89mmLOZIuuS\" class=\"zfr3Q TYR86d\"><a class=\"dhtgD\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brit-thoracic.org.uk%2Fdocument-library%2Fclinical-information%2Fmesothelioma%2Fpleural-plaques-information-for-health-care-professionals%2F&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNERGvj8llm76cK6U07n7nw366_ufQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">British Thoracic Society information<\/a>&gt;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pleural plaques &#8211; patient information What are they? Pleural plaques are areas of thickening that occur in the lining of the lung. They are often discovered incidentally e.g. when a chest X-ray or a CT scan are performed for another reason. Over time they become more obvious to see on a chest X-ray since calcium&hellip; <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"moretag\" href=\"https:\/\/www.arirespiratory.scot.nhs.uk\/?page_id=119\">Read the full article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":77,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-119","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.arirespiratory.scot.nhs.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.arirespiratory.scot.nhs.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.arirespiratory.scot.nhs.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.arirespiratory.scot.nhs.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.arirespiratory.scot.nhs.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=119"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.arirespiratory.scot.nhs.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/119\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":121,"href":"https:\/\/www.arirespiratory.scot.nhs.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/119\/revisions\/121"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.arirespiratory.scot.nhs.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/77"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.arirespiratory.scot.nhs.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}