Mesothelioma and Adults

Mesothelioma can strike any person at any age. The majority of cases are seen in older males usually in their mid 60s. The reason for diagnosis at such a late age is because of the slow stage progression of mesothelioma. Because of the disease's latency period, it doesn't become obvious until after a long range of years - anywhere from 20 to 50 years - have passed.

While malignant mesothelioma most typically results from the exposure to asbestos, geneology can also play a major role in the development of the disease. If cancer runs within a person’s family, this increases the chance of mesothelioma occurring when that same person has been exposed. Another factor is the degree of intensity of that exposure to asbestos. The higher the intensity of exposure, the higher the chance of contracting mesothelioma.

Although the disease has predominantly seemed gender specific, cases of women contracting mesothelioma are becoming more common. A case dating back to September 11, 2001 involves a female first responder that died within five years from the first initial exposure. The high intensity of asbestos fiber exposure during that one day was strong enough for considerable advancement of the latency period.

Posted in: Mesothelioma Diagnosis