Pleural plaques: markers of asbestos exposure or independent risk factor for pleural mesothelioma? A case report of mesothelioma developed on a pleural plaque in a worker with occupational asbestos exposure

Abstract

Pleural plaques are considered as a markers of asbestos exposure and not as an independent risk factor for the development of asbestos-related neoplastic diseases. However isolated studies showed an association between pleural plaques and malignat pleural mesothelioma. A clinical case of a patient with an history of occupational asbestos exposure affected by asbestosis, pleural plaques and pleural mesothelioma is presented.