Pleural thickening

[Worriedmum22]

Hi there,

My 22 yo daughter had pneumonia 4x three years ago with a pleural effusion. She has been well since. In the past fortnight she was diagnosed with pleural thickening of left lung (2cm). She had a biopsy & shoes no signs of cancer. Phew! However, they don’t know what is causing it for sure. It’s been sent to a specialist pleural pathologist. I’m so worried.

Any thoughts?

[Shancock]

Pleural thickening can occur as a result of bad infections I believe. It is usually diagnosed via a CT scan and also a lung function test to see how the lungs are coping. The good news is that is usually doesn't not require treatment as the symptoms are usually not very severe, but will unfortunately flare up in a chest infection.

The best way to deal with it is to obviously not smoke and avoid smokey areas, BBQ's etc. And really be healthy, your daughters young so she can start up an exercise routine maybe to keep the lungs in good order, eating a good diet and not too much alcohol all help. Generally it doesn't cause major problems and people cope with it very well.

To avoid infections she needs to stay away from friends/family when they have colds and lots of hand washing, antibacterial gel etc all help to avoid the dreaded viruses.

[Worriedmum22 in reply to Shancock]

Hi Shanock,

Thankyou for taking the time to respond. I guess I’ve been really worried because the doctors have said that they don’t usually see that type of thickening in a young person. It appears to be benign but will still be inspected by a specialty pathologist who may be able to shed some light. I’ve been googling and making myself sick. I work in a hospital & think I know too much as you see the worst cases of everything! I hope that she can live a normal life?

[Shancock in reply to Worriedmum22]

I'm sure she will, Inthink it's a question of being healthy.

Never go to Dr Google, its always awful, if you Google headaches apparently we've all got tumours! If they thought it was terribly serious it would be rushed through.