Pleural disorders

The pleura is a vital layer of tissue that encompasses the chest area and provides coverage to the lungs. Exposure to asbestos fibers could lead to the formation of noncancerous thickening of the pleural membrane, referred to as pleural plaques or an extensive scarring of the pleura called diffuse pleural fibrosis. Both these conditions may result in fluid accumulation within the chest cavity, termed pleural effusion. While these circumstances rarely bring about symptomatic discomfort, imaging procedures such as X-ray examinations can reveal them. Since these conditions restrict normal lung movement, lung functionality testing may also demonstrate decreased efficiency.