How Long is the Mesothelioma Latency Period?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral used in many industries for its durability and heat resistance. This rare form of cancer has an unusually long latency period, meaning it can take decades for mesothelioma to develop after the patient is exposed to asbestos.
Brendan Little, Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: October 9, 2024
When asbestos is disturbed, its tiny fibers can become airborne and be inhaled or ingested by humans. The fibers become lodged in the tissue lining bodily organs like the lungs, heart, and stomach. These embedded fibers can cause mesothelioma years down the line. Scientists don’t yet fully understand how mesothelioma develops, but the Mayo Clinic reports that it can take 20-60 years to do so. Other scientific publications have demonstrated a latency period of 10 years to over 60 years after exposure to asbestos.
Victims of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma might be eligible to pursue compensation for their suffering through mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos bankruptcy trust fund claims.
- Mesothelioma typically doesn’t develop until about 10-60 years or more after asbestos exposure.
- Several factors, including genetic predisposition, age, gender, and type of exposure, contribute to if and when a person will develop mesothelioma.
- If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
How Long Does Mesothelioma Take to Develop?
On average, it takes 10-60 years after asbestos exposure to develop mesothelioma, depending on a wide variety of factors. Some types of mesothelioma develop more quickly than others–peritoneal mesothelioma, which manifests in the abdomen, typically has a shorter latency period than pleural mesothelioma, which manifests in the lining of the lungs.
“There are some cases where an individual may have a short term or relatively small exposure to asbestos which causes their mesothelioma. This can occur at work doing a job in summers or before pursuing further education. It can also occur in the home when a family member knowingly brings asbestos home on their clothing.”
Chandler Udo – Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little, PLLC
Factors That Impact Mesothelioma Latency Period
Most people exposed to asbestos never develop mesothelioma. However, several factors can influence a person’s risk of developing the disease, including the type of asbestos exposure, initial exposure age, and more.
Extent of Asbestos Exposure
People with years of regular asbestos exposure typically develop mesothelioma more quickly than those with brief or low-level exposure. A 2022 South Korean study found the average latency periods for mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer to be 33.7 and 40.1 years, respectively.
The study also found that patients with a history of exposure related to the production of asbestos-containing products had the shortest latency periods, while those who lived near asbestos mines had longer latency periods.
Work in High-Risk Occupations
High-risk occupations, such as jobs in asbestos mines, boiler rooms, factories, power plants, and shipyards, can expose workers to high concentrations of asbestos. In most cases, more exposure to asbestos for longer periods leads to greater risk of contracting asbestos disease.
Secondhand Exposure
Secondary exposure occurs when someone does not have direct contact with asbestos but lives with a person who does. Typically, it occurs when a worker exposed to asbestos on the job brings it home on their hair, skin, clothing, or equipment, exposing their family.
Age and Gender
Although occupational asbestos exposure is more common among men who work in industries like construction and manufacturing, women are also at risk for exposure, largely through secondary exposure. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the annual number of deaths from mesothelioma among women significantly increased over the last two decades. Still, women tend to have longer mesothelioma latency periods than men, depending on the location of the cancer. Researchers suggest that this results from lower exposure levels for women since they more commonly experience secondhand exposure, not occupational.
Age at the time of exposure can also impact latency periods. The younger a person is when first exposed to asbestos, the more likely they will develop mesothelioma down the line.
Get Help with Your Mesothelioma Compensation Options
Have You or a Loved One Been Diagnosed With Mesothelioma? We Can Help
If you or a loved one has developed an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation. A mesothelioma attorney can determine the avenues available for you to recover financial compensation for your suffering.
At Bergman Oslund Udo Little, our mesothelioma lawyers are committed to holding corporations responsible for putting profits over people and exposing workers and their families to asbestos. We understand the toll a difficult medical diagnosis can take on a family and will guide you through the legal process with patience and compassion.
Since 1995, Bergman Oslund Udo Little has been fighting to protect the interests of families facing the challenges of mesothelioma. We’ve won more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Each of our clients works closely with a small team that takes the time to understand the impact of their diagnosis and build a personalized strategy to hold wrongdoers accountable.
To find out what mesothelioma compensation you may be eligible for, contact us today.
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