Mesothelioma Latency Period

The term "latency period" is used to describe the period of time between exposure to a potential disease-causing agent and the time the disease manifests itself. In the case of asbestosis - which is sometimes a precursor to the cancer mesothelioma - the latency period is approximately 10 to 20 years. For mesothelioma, according to most experts, the latency period ranges from 20 to 50 years, though there have been cases when the time period was shorter or longer.

Because of these long latency periods, it is very possible that individuals exposed in the '50s, '60s, and '70s are still candidates for developing mesothelioma. That's why it's necessary for individuals who worked with asbestos to never assume they're "out of the woods." Mesothelioma rates continue to climb, not only in the U.S. but especially in countries where asbestos use continues today, like it does in the United States.

Why Does Latency Vary?

A number of studies have been done surrounding the specifics of the length of latency periods among those exposed to asbestos. A conclusion reached by most of the studies is that the length and level of exposure plays a large role in the length of the latency period.

Numerous studies on asbestosis agree that more than 90 percent of individuals who were exposed to asbestos for 40 years or more will develop the disease. For those who worked with the toxic mineral for 20-30 years, the rate is about 75 percent. Those with 10-19 years of exposure have an incidence level of about 10 to 15 percent. These numbers may also vary according to the level of asbestos to which one is exposed on a daily basis. For example, shipbuilders of the mid-twentieth century were nearly always surrounded by asbestos as were many construction workers. Those groups have tended to develop asbestosis sooner than those who worked in other industries where the levels might not have been so high.

For mesothelioma, the numbers are a bit different. Evidence has indicated that high exposure for short periods of time might be more volatile than low exposure for many years. For example, New York City paramedic, Deborah Reeve, a first responder at the site of the World Trade Center attacks in 2001, died of mesothelioma in 2006, just five years after her exposure to asbestos from 9/11. Deborah had symptoms of the disease as early as 2003 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2004.

There is also indication that smokers can develop the diseases more quickly than non-smokers, and there is definitive information that indicates smokers with asbestosis are much more likely to develop mesothelioma.

Life During the Latency Period

While no one should spend their days dwelling on the fact that they could someday develop an asbestos-related disease, there are some things that can be done in order to "catch" the disease if it is indeed present.

The most notable development of the last few years is the mesothelioma blood test known as Mesomark. Approved by the FDA in 2007, this simple test that measures a particular cancer biomarker can catch mesothelioma in its very early stages. This is an amazing breakthrough due to the fact that, traditionally, mesothelioma has not been diagnosed until it has reached Stage III or IV. The blood test is not available everywhere but, if you are a candidate, ask your doctor where you can take advantage of the test.

Many potential asbestosis or mesothelioma victims also schedule yearly chest x-rays to check for any suspicious signs of disease. After the x-ray, should the doctor determine there may be a concern, further diagnostic tests will be ordered, such as CT scans or MRIs.

Sources:

Mesothelioma News

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