Term: Pleural Plaques
Definition: Pleural plaques are localized areas of thickened connective tissue on the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. They are often a marker of asbestos exposure and are typically non-cancerous.
Phonetic Pronunciation: (PLUR-uhl plaks)
Etymological Origin: The term "pleural" is derived from the Greek word "pleura," meaning side or rib, referring to the pleura membrane. "Plaques" comes from the French word "plaque," meaning a flat plate or patch, which describes the appearance of these lesions.
Significance in Asbestos Context: Pleural plaques are significant because they are considered a hallmark of asbestos exposure. While they are usually asymptomatic and not directly harmful, their presence indicates a history of asbestos exposure, which may increase the risk of developing more serious asbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer. Pleural plaques are often used as evidence in asbestos litigation to demonstrate exposure to asbestos.
Synonyms or Related Terms: Pleural thickening, asbestos-related pleural disease, calcified plaques (when plaques are calcified).
Example Sentence: "The chest X-ray revealed pleural plaques, confirming the patient's history of occupational asbestos exposure."
Common Misconceptions:
