What should I do if I am told I have Pleural Plaques?

1. Discuss your concerns with your GP. They will be able to reassure you about the condition. Many patients are worried by their treating doctor telling them that there is no treatment for the condition. What many are not told, however, is that the condition does not cause any symptoms and the condition will not develop into anything more serious. There is no need for any treatment, therefore. 
   
2. Ask your GP to refer you for a chest X-ray every 2 years. This will reassure you that nothing more serious is developing. Your doctor can then keep an eye on you on a regular basis.
   
3. Go to see your GP if you develop any pain, breathlessness or discomfort. He can then arrange for the cause of your symptoms to be discovered. Remember – more likely than not the symptoms are being caused by something totally unconnected with your asbestos exposure.
   
4. Carry on with life as normal. Pleural Plaques do not usually cause any symptoms so it should not stop you from doing what you usually do. Whether it be gardening, cycling, swimming or rambling, just carry on with it. If you do get breathless then it is probably something totally unconnected with your Pleural Plaques.