Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
The mesothelioma latency period refers to the time between initial exposure to asbestos and a diagnosis. It is primarily a “silent” one because it can take 10-50 years before one is diagnosed with mesothelioma. The latency period can be shorter or longer than the 10-50-year range depending on factors such as one’s gender, age, time of initial exposure to asbestos, and individual health conditions.
The Silent Latency Period of Mesothelioma
As earlier mentioned, it can take 10-50 years between the initial asbestos exposure and a mesothelioma diagnosis. Once you inhale asbestos fibers, the body cannot eliminate them. These fibers can remain in the lungs or other tissues, causing irritation for decades before symptoms of mesothelioma finally appear. This long latency period is why most individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma are over 65 years, when the mesothelioma is very aggressive, resulting in a poorer prognosis. So, why does mesothelioma take such a long time to be diagnosed? There are several reasons why this is the case, as highlighted below:
- The Body’s Repair Efforts: Initially, the body works effectively to repair the damage caused by asbestos, but over time, the harm accumulates faster than the body can keep up
- Chronic inflammation: Asbestos fibers are notorious for causing ongoing, low-level inflammation that slowly wears down internal tissues instead of sudden, severe, and quickly noticeable damage
- Mild Early Symptoms: Early signs, like a slight cough or shortness of breath, are easy to dismiss or confuse with minor illnesses, delaying a proper mesothelioma diagnosis.
Factors That Affect the Latency Period of Mesothelioma
Below are three factors that affect the latency period of mesothelioma.
- Occupation
Jobs with high asbestos exposure may result in a short latency period. For instance, if you work in some high-risk occupations such as mining, construction, shipyards, or asbestos factories, you are likely to develop mesothelioma faster.
- Duration and Intensity of Exposure
Additionally, the length of exposure and concentration of asbestos can influence the latency period. Prolonged exposure, such as working in asbestos factories, involvement in the production of asbestos-containing products, or exposure in poorly ventilated spaces, can shorten the latency period. Moreover, even if the exposure duration is low but is in high concentrations, one is likely to have a shorter latency period. On the other hand, secondhand exposure, especially by family members, typically involves lower intensity, which can result in a more extended latency period.
- Age and Gender
The age of an individual at first exposure impacts latency, with younger persons often experiencing longer latency periods. This can be attributed to robust immune systems delaying the effects of asbestos. Gender also plays a role in the latency period, with women generally having longer latency periods than men.
Type of Mesothelioma
The type of mesothelioma also affects the latency period. Pleural mesothelioma typically has a longer latency period than peritoneal mesothelioma. Additionally, specific genetic mutations may shorten latency by accelerating cellular damage.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.