• The pleura is the membrane lining the lung
• Plaques are detected by chest X-ray or CAT scan
• Pleural plaques are regarded as signs of significant asbestos exposure over an extended period
• They may be associated with some reduction in lung function, but also may not have any direct health impact
• Latency may be up to 10 years
• It is not clear whether they are a precursor to other asbestos related diseases

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the lungs. It is almost solely caused by exposure to asbestos, which was used in everything in children’s toys, house-hold insulation, and naval carriers.

PleuralMesothelioma.com has information on the mesothelioma life span, a complete list of symptoms, to treatment options, as well as exposure in Australia.