Is pleural thickening possible lung cancer?

Pleural thickening is not necessarily lung cancer, lung cancer may cause pleural thickening, diagnosis needs to be combined with a variety of tests, treatment methods vary according to the cause. Pleural thickening is not necessarily lung cancer, but lung cancer may cause pleural thickening. The following is a specific analysis of this problem: 1. Pleural thickening causes 1. Infectious diseases such as pleurisy or pneumonia can cause pleural inflammation, leading to pleural thickening. 2. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus can involve the pleura, causing inflammation and thickening. 3. Chest injury Chest trauma, surgery, etc. can lead to pleural injury, and then cause thickening. 4. Other causes Malignant tumors, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc. may also lead to pleural thickening. Second, the relationship between lung cancer and pleural thickening Lung cancer may cause pleural thickening through direct invasion or pleural metastasis. When lung cancer cells invade the pleura, it will cause inflammatory reaction and fibrous tissue proliferation, resulting in pleural thickening. In addition, lung cancer may also metastasize to the pleura through the blood circulation or lymphatic system, forming metastatic pleural tumors, which in turn lead to pleural thickening. 3. Diagnostic methods 1. Imaging examination Chest X-ray, CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other examinations can help find pleural thickening and initially determine its causes. 2. Laboratory tests such as blood routine examination, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein can assist in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases. Tumor marker detection can be used to screen malignant tumors. 3. Pathological examination Pleural tissue obtained by thoracoscopy or thoracotomy for pathological examination is the gold standard for definite diagnosis. 4. Other examinations such as tuberculosis smear and culture, bronchoscopy, etc., can be selected according to the specific situation.4. Treatment methods 1. Treatment according to the cause of pleural thickening. For infectious diseases, antibiotics should be used, autoimmune diseases should be used immunosuppressants or hormones. 2. Symptomatic treatment to relieve pain, dyspnea and other symptoms. 3. Surgical treatment In some cases, such as tumor invasion of the pleura leading to severe symptoms or suspected malignant tumor, surgery may be required. 4. Radiation and chemotherapy For lung cancer patients, radiation and chemotherapy can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment.5. Precautions 1. Timely medical treatment If pleural thickening is found, seek medical attention promptly, identify the cause, and carry out appropriate treatment. 2. Follow the doctor's advice in the treatment process, should be strictly in accordance with the doctor's recommendations for treatment, take medicine on time, regular review.3. Pay attention to rest and maintain good rest and nutritional status, help to improve the body immunity.4. Regular physical examinationsPeople with high risk factors for lung cancer should undergo regular physical examination for early detection and early treatment. In short, pleural thickening may be one of the manifestations of a variety of diseases, and lung cancer is only one of the possible causes. If pleural thickening is found, you should seek medical attention promptly, conduct a comprehensive examination and evaluation to clarify the cause, and take corresponding treatment measures. At the same time, you should pay attention to rest and nutrition, maintain good living habits, and improve your body's immunity.