Diffuse Pleural Thickening and Fibrosis

Asbestos diseases are linked with exposure to the hazardous metamorphic mineral group. Attention is focused on the malignant asbestos diseases; malignant mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer. Malignant mesothelioma is an incurable type of cancer that is believed responsible for more than 200,000 deaths worldwide. Compared to malignant mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer is far more responsive to treatment efforts; however, asbestos lung cancer is also an incredibly aggressive type of disease.

Non-malignant asbestos diseases, though not directly fatal, can be extremely debilitating nonetheless. Asbestosis is the most commonly known non-malignant asbestos disease because of its propensity to develop into one of the two malignant asbestos diseases. Aside from asbestosis, asbestos exposure can lead to a number of lesser-known non-malignant diseases. Two such non-malignant asbestos diseases are diffuse pleural thickening and fibrosis.

Diffuse Pleural Thickening

Most non-malignant asbestos diseases affect either the lungs or the pleura because of asbestos fibers that have been inhaled and become embedded in the lungs. Pleural thickening is a type of non-malignant asbestos disease associated with the inflammation of the pleura. Pleural thickening is found in two distinct forms; unilateral pleural thickening (localized) or bilateral pleural thickening (diffuse).

Quite literally, diffuse pleural thickening refers to inflammation of the mesothelial tissue spread across the entirety of the parietal pleura. Although not as common an occurrence, diffuse pleural thickening can result as a secondary asbestos disease. Pleural mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer can occasionally lead to the development of pleural thickening.

The best method of detection for diagnosing a case of diffuse pleural thickening is through a CT scan. CT scans are more sensitive in detecting a thickening of the pleura because the disease is evident as a layer of soft tissue density forming between the lungs and the chest wall. Based on a CT scan, doctors are often able to determine whether a case of pleural thickening has resulted from primary causes (asbestos inhalation) or from secondary causes (mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer).

Fibrosis

Fibrosis, or pulmonary fibrosis as it is often called, is a type of non-malignant asbestos disease that affects the lung tissue itself as opposed to the pleural tissue lining the lung. Fibrosis can be caused by a variety of factors, one of which includes the inhalation of certain environmental toxins like asbestos. Inhaled asbestos fibers can become embedded in the lung tissue. Over time, the air sacs of the lungs (alveoli) are replaced by fibrotic scar tissue.

The development of pulmonary fibrosis depletes lung capacity while slowing the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide gasses. The loss of alveoli is an irreversible condition, meaning that total lung capacity can never be restored to an optimal level.

There are a variety of symptoms that are associated with fibrosis, some of which include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chronic coughing (dry and hacking)
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain / discomfort
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite

There is no method of treatment that can be used to combat the effects of fibrosis. While not directly fatal, the non-malignant asbestos disease can potentially lead to death resulting from a significant loss of total lung capacity.

Paul and Hanley, LLP

If you believe you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease, please contact Paul & Hanley LLP to discuss your legal options.