Asbestos is a known human carcinogen. It has a strong association with lung cancer and certain reproductive cancers. However, the cancer most associated with asbestos is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of the organs.
Many people develop pleural mesothelioma in the lining of their lungs. People may also develop mesothelioma around their hearts or even in the tissue around their testicles in some cases. Even low levels of asbestos exposure may eventually lead to the development of cancer. Workers may end up exposed to asbestos on the job. Their roommates and family members may have secondary exposure if they bring asbestos home on their skin, hair or clothing. Asbestos exposure can also involve contaminated products.
How long does it take for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure?
Initial onset is slow
Mesothelioma is a particularly deadly form of cancer. One of the reasons it is so dangerous is the extended time frame for initial cancer development. Typically, mesothelioma takes decades to develop. It could be 20 or 30 years after a worker handles asbestos before they notice any symptoms. Anyone who is aware that they have had prior asbestos exposure typically needs to share that with their doctor. They may need to screen themselves consistently for the rest of their lives.
Mesothelioma spreads quickly
While mesothelioma takes decades to reach a diagnosable point, it may spread quite quickly after a patient’s diagnosis. Mesothelioma has a relatively low five-year survival rate in part because it spreads quickly. The rapid development of mesothelioma in its later stages is one reason that the condition is so deadly. Mesothelioma metastasizes or spreads to other tissues and can then be even more difficult to treat.
People diagnosed with mesothelioma may need help holding the right party accountable for exposing them to asbestos. A mesothelioma lawsuit can compensate people sickened by asbestos exposure. The funds that they secure through litigation can help pay for their treatment, replace their lost wages and support their family members if the cancer proves terminal. Recognizing how quickly mesothelioma can progress and how slowly it initially develops can help people accurately track their health and take action if they fall ill.