Learn about Pleural Thickening Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Pleural Thickening and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Pleural Thickening

Pleural thickening is not a procedure but a medical condition where the pleura, the thin membrane lining the lungs and chest cavity, becomes scarred and thickened. A pulmonologist diagnoses and manages this condition, which is often a consequence of asbestos exposure, chronic infections, or inflammation. The diagnostic process involves a detailed patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies like chest X-rays or CT scans. In some cases, a thoracentesis (fluid removal) or a pleural biopsy may be performed to rule out malignancy or determine the exact cause. Management focuses on treating the underlying cause, relieving symptoms like shortness of breath, and monitoring for potential complications such as reduced lung function.

Key Highlights

    Accurate diagnosis of the cause of pleural thickening, which is crucial for appropriate management.Non-invasive imaging provides detailed visualization of the pleural lining and lung tissue.Helps differentiate benign thickening from malignant conditions like mesothelioma.Guides treatment plans to address underlying causes and manage symptoms like breathlessness.Essential for long-term monitoring of lung function and respiratory health.

Who is this surgery for?

  • History of significant asbestos exposure.
  • Unexplained chest pain or persistent shortness of breath (dyspnea).
  • Abnormal findings on a routine chest X-ray or CT scan showing pleural changes.
  • Recurrent pleural effusions (fluid buildup) or chronic pleurisy (inflammation).
  • To rule out malignant causes like mesothelioma or metastatic lung cancer.
  • Evaluation of reduced lung function or restrictive lung disease patterns.

How to prepare

  • Detailed discussion with the pulmonologist about medical history, especially exposure to asbestos, dust, or prior lung infections.
  • Disclosure of all current medications, including blood thinners, which may need to be paused.
  • Fasting for several hours if a procedural biopsy or thoracentesis is planned.
  • Undergoing baseline pulmonary function tests to assess current lung capacity.
  • Arranging for someone to drive the patient home after any invasive diagnostic procedure.

Risks & possible complications

  • Diagnostic procedures like thoracentesis or biopsy carry risks of pneumothorax (collapsed lung), bleeding, or infection.
  • Progressive thickening can lead to restrictive lung disease, permanently reducing lung volume and function.
  • Chronic chest pain and significant, persistent shortness of breath impacting quality of life.
  • If caused by asbestos, there is an associated increased lifetime risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer.
  • Potential for recurrent pleural effusions requiring repeated drainage procedures.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Recovery from diagnostic procedures is typically quick; rest is advised for 24-48 hours.
  • Monitor for signs of complications like sharp chest pain, fever, or increased breathlessness and report them immediately.
  • Follow-up imaging and pulmonary function tests are scheduled to monitor the condition's stability or progression.
  • Long-term management involves treating the underlying cause, pulmonary rehabilitation for breathing exercises, and smoking cessation.
  • Regular follow-up appointments with the pulmonologist are essential for ongoing surveillance of respiratory health.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for procedural recovery; condition management is long-term

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering pleural thickening in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pleural thickening compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 54 – USD 272 0-1 days ~ 1-2 weeks for procedural recovery; condition management is long-term Know More
Turkey USD 403 – USD 2,013 0-1 days ~ 1-2 weeks for procedural recovery; condition management is long-term Know More

Top hospitals for Pleural Thickening in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pulmonology teams and experience managing patients undergoing pleural thickening.

PATIENT REVIEW

A 28-year-old female software engineer from...

A 28-year-old female software engineer from Bangalore presented with persistent dry cough and exertional dyspnea. Dr. Manimaran diagnosed hypersensitivity pneumonitis from chronic exposure to mold in her air-conditioned office. Treatment involved environmental modifications and a short course of corticosteroids, with complete resolution of symptoms within three weeks.

Pulmonologists for Pleural Thickening

Explore experienced pulmonologists who regularly perform pleural thickening and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Arun Sampath
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

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Dr. Manimaran
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

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Dr. Sathyanarayana Mysore
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Sarat Kumar Behera
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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Dr. Shweta Bansal
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Randeep Guleria
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Ravindranath
  • 36 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

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Dr. Danish Jamal
  • 34 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

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Dr. Subhakar Kandi
  • 34 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

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Dr. Deepak Talwar
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

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Dr. Rakesh Gattu
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital King Koti

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Dr. Loveleen Mangla
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

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Dr. Guruprasad S Bhat
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Kumar Doshi
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. D S Sowjanya
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

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Dr. Prashant Chhajed
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Salil S. Bendre
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Vinathi Paritala
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital Vijayawada

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Dr. Deepak Prajapat
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 12

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Dr. Sumit Bangeria
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

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