Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Changes in Mammary Gland Morphology and Breast Cancer Risk in Rats
Published on: October 16, 2010
Pleural Plaques and the Risk of Lung Cancer in Asbestos-exposed Subjects
Fraser J H Brims1,2, Karen Kong2, Ed J A Harris1,2
1Curtin Medical School and.
Abstract:
Rationale: Asbestos exposure is associated with a dose-dependent risk of lung cancer. The association between lung cancer and the presence of pleural plaques remains controversial.
Abstract:
Objectives: To define the relationship between pleural plaques and lung cancer risk.
Abstract:
Methods: Subjects were from two cohorts: 1) crocidolite mine and mill workers and Wittenoom Township residents and 2) a mixed-asbestos-fiber, mixed-occupation group. All subjects underwent annual review since 1990, chest X-ray or low-dose computed tomography scan, and outcome linkage to national cancer and mortality registry data. Cox regression, with adjustment for age (as the underlying matching time variable), was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for lung cancer incidence by sex, tobacco smoking, asbestos exposure, presence of asbestosis, and pleural plaques.
Abstract:
Measurements and Main Results: For all 4,240 subjects, mean age at follow up was 65.4 years, 3,486 (82.0%) were male, 1,315 (31.0%) had pleural plaques, and 1,353 (32.0%) had radiographic asbestosis. Overall, 3,042 (71.7%) were ever-smokers with mean tobacco exposure of 33 pack-years. In total, 200 lung cancers were recorded. Risk of lung cancer increased with cumulative exposure to cigarettes, asbestos, and presence of asbestosis. Pleural plaques did not confer any additional lung cancer risk in either cohort (cohort 1: HR, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-1.67; P = 0.89; cohort 2: HR, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-1.25; P = 0.28).
Abstract:
Conclusions: The presence of pleural plaques on radiologic imaging does not confer additional increase in the risk of lung cancer. This result is consistent across two cohorts with differing asbestos fiber exposures and intensity.
Related Concept Videos
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Relative Risk
Lung Capacity
Cable Subjected to Its Own Weight
A generalized loading function is employed to analyze a cable subjected to its own weight. This function considers the force acting along the cable's arc length rather than its projected length, providing a more accurate...

