Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that can be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos particles are microscopic, but they can become lodged in tissue in a person’s chest cavity, often near their lungs, when they are inhaled or ingested.
One thing that you may notice is that people tend to get a mesothelioma diagnosis at a relatively older age. It is very rare for someone in their 20s to be diagnosed with mesothelioma, for instance, although it does happen. It is much more common for the person to be in their 50s or 60s – or even older. Why is this the case?
An extended latency period
The reason for this is simply that it usually takes a long time for mesothelioma to develop, even after someone has been exposed to asbestos. That is known as the latency period. Even if a person directly inhaled asbestos particles today, they are very unlikely to develop a disease like mesothelioma by next year. In many cases, it takes decades.
For example, in one study, researchers found that the latency period was generally over 33 years for mesothelioma. If someone was exposed to asbestos on the job when they were 35, for instance, they may not develop mesothelioma until they were almost 70.
Of course, every case is unique. No one should ignore the symptoms or the possibility of developing the disease, particularly if they have been exposed to asbestos (even second hand) regardless of their age, and it must always be taken very seriously. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after asbestos exposure, be sure you know what legal options you have. Getting experienced guidance can help.