Localized thickening of the right pleura

The occurrence of localized thickening of the right pleura requires corresponding diagnosis to see what is causing it. Generally, it mainly includes pleural adhesion, which is caused by pulmonary tuberculosis, pleurisy and chest injury, including pleural metastasis and pleural calcification. These are the main reasons for the localized thickening of the pleura and need to be strictly controlled in normal times.

Differential diagnosis 1. Pleural adhesions

Refers to the two layers of pleura sticking together. This disease is caused by tuberculosis, pleurisy and chest injury.

2. Pleural metastasis

The main source is the lungs, followed by the breast. Other common primary sites include the stomach, ovaries, and pancreas. Cancer causes changes in the intrapleural capillary pressure, colloid osmotic pressure, capillary permeability and intrapleural pressure, resulting in pleural effusion - malignant pleural effusion. Malignant pleural effusion is also known as carcinomatous pleurisy. Malignant pleural effusion is a common complication of advanced cancer. Clinically, once a cancer patient develops pleural effusion, it means that the lesion has spread locally or systemically.

3. Pleural calcification

When there are organized blood clots or caseous necrotic substances in the pleural cavity, calcium salts may be deposited, forming pleural calcification. Pleural calcification is common in tuberculous pleurisy, purulent pleurisy and after traumatic hemothorax. Certain pneumoconiosis, such as talcosis and asbestosis, may also cause pleural calcification, and it is often bilateral. Pleural calcification often coexists with pleural thickening and adhesions.

Fold to edit this section Treatment principles Most cases of pleural thickening do not require treatment. There is mild chest tightness, which will be alleviated or disappear due to gradual compensation. Strengthening exercise, chest expansion exercises, and deep breathing are the best treatments. Extensive pleural thickening affects the respiratory function of the lungs. If the symptoms of pleural adhesion are severe, surgical treatment should be performed, such as pleural decortication. However, the effect of surgical treatment cannot satisfy both doctors and patients. It causes great pain to patients and is prone to cause new pleural adhesions and pleural calcification.