What you need to know about asbestosis and mesothelioma

Feb 2 2015

Asbestos is a fibrous natural material once widely used for insulation and fireproofing due to its heat-resistant qualities. Only after it had been common in myriad industrial applications for decades were the dangers associated with its use discovered. Even after that point, however, it was still used in some industries (chief among them building construction, mining, ship building and automotive parts manufacturing) simply because no one had yet to develop a better method to achieve the same results asbestos offered.

The key issue with asbestos is the fact that its fibers can be inhaled; once that occurs, the fibers may become trapped inside lung tissue, eventually leading to such conditions as asbestosis, mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer. Asbestosis is a non-cancerous irritation, inflammation and scarring of the lungs that causes respiratory distress including trouble breathing, chronic coughing and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma shares many of the same symptoms as asbestosis, including damage to the lungs and chest cavity, but is in fact a form of cancer.

A difficult diagnosis

There isn’t a cure per se for either asbestosis or mesothelioma, but the symptoms of these invasive diseases can be managed if diagnosis and treatment are timely. That is much easier said than done, however. The main barrier to treating these conditions is the lengthy “latency” period before symptoms appear.

Both these illnesses can take years – or even decades – to develop following asbestos exposure. Someone suffering from respiratory symptoms like a chronic cough or chest pain might not even remember that they were exposed to asbestos years ago, which could lead their doctor to misdiagnose them with a much less serious condition (like a respiratory infection or asthma, for example), thus delaying treatment for the underlying issue. Once an accurate diagnosis is finally made, the disease could have progressed to the point where medical intervention isn’t effective.

Another complication

Another issue that complicates prompt diagnosis and treatment of conditions like mesothelioma and asbestosis is that factors like different levels of asbestos exposure, gender of the patient and the location in the body where the asbestos fibers have embedded can all significantly impact the progression of the disease. For example, a coal miner who was exposed to low levels of asbestos for years on the job may see his condition progress slowly, literally taking decades before he is symptomatic enough to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. On the other hand, people exposed to massive levels of asbestos fibers for a relatively short time – like rescue workers at the World Trade Center site and those cleaning up following recent natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina – have already died from the disease.

How Long After Asbestos Exposure Do Symptoms Appear? 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral celebrated for its remarkable resistance to heat, fire, and chemical degradation. Its unique properties made it a staple in countless industries and products for much of the 20th century, from insulation and fireproofing to automotive parts and construction materials. 

However, its widespread use came with a devastating hidden cost: when disturbed, asbestos fibers break down into microscopic, needle-like particles that, once inhaled or ingested, can remain lodged in the body for decades, silently causing cellular damage. This long, insidious delay between initial exposure and the onset of symptoms is known as the latency period, and it is a critical, and often misunderstood, aspect of asbestos-related illnesses.

The profound length of this latency period is what makes asbestos exposure so dangerous. Unlike a viral infection with a clear, short incubation period, the diseases caused by asbestos do not manifest overnight or even in a few years. 

Instead, they can lie dormant for 10, 20, 30, or even 50 years, making it incredibly difficult for individuals to connect their current health problems to a long-forgotten occupational or environmental exposure. This article will delve into the timeline for the most common asbestos-related diseases, the factors that influence this timeline, and the symptoms to watch for.

Asbestosis: The Lung Scarring Disease

Asbestosis is a chronic, non-cancerous lung disease characterized by the scarring of lung tissue (fibrosis). This scarring makes the lungs stiff and less flexible, severely impairing their ability to function properly. The latency period for asbestosis is typically shorter than for other asbestos-related cancers, though it is still measured in decades.

On average, symptoms of asbestosis tend to appear 15 to 30 years after the first significant exposure. The disease is often linked to long-term, high-level occupational exposure, such as in mining, shipbuilding, or construction. 

The asbestos fibers cause a persistent inflammatory response in the lungs, and over many years, this chronic inflammation leads to the progressive buildup of fibrotic tissue. While asbestosis itself is not cancer, it can significantly increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma: The Most Feared Diagnosis

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare but extremely aggressive and deadly cancer of the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. The most common form, pleural mesothelioma, affects the lining of the lungs. Unlike other asbestos-related diseases, mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.

The latency period for mesothelioma is exceptionally long, generally ranging from 20 to 50 years after the initial exposure. This means that a person who worked with asbestos in the 1970s or 1980s may only be diagnosed today. 

In some tragic cases, diagnoses have been made after as little as a decade, particularly in cases of very intense or prolonged exposure. The long latency period is one of the key reasons why a mesothelioma diagnosis often comes at an advanced stage, when treatment options are limited and the prognosis is poor. The slow, gradual nature of the cellular damage, where asbestos fibers continually irritate tissues and cause genetic mutations over time, explains this decades-long delay.

Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for developing lung cancer, particularly for individuals who also smoke. The latency period for asbestos-related lung cancer is typically shorter than for mesothelioma, often appearing 15 to 35 years after exposure. The risk of lung cancer from asbestos exposure is synergistic with smoking, meaning the combined risk is far greater than the sum of each risk factor alone. Smoking, in this context, can also shorten the latency period, accelerating the development of the disease.

Other Asbestos-Related Conditions

While asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer are the most well-known, asbestos exposure can also cause other conditions with their own latency timelines:

• Pleural Plaques: These are non-cancerous, localized areas of scarring and thickening on the lining of the lungs. They are often asymptomatic and are typically discovered incidentally on a chest X-ray. The latency period for pleural plaques is generally 20 to 30 years. While not dangerous themselves, they serve as a clear biomarker of past asbestos exposure and can be a precursor to other diseases.
• Pleural Effusions: This is a buildup of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. It can be a symptom of a more serious asbestos-related condition or can occur independently. It often presents with a shorter latency, sometimes within a few years of exposure, but can also appear much later.

Factors That Influence the Latency Period

The time it takes for an asbestos-related disease to develop is not the same for everyone. Several factors play a crucial role in determining the length of the latency period:

1. Intensity and Duration of Exposure: The single most important factor is the level of asbestos exposure. Individuals with a history of heavy, prolonged exposure (e.g., asbestos miners, insulators, shipyard workers) tend to have a shorter latency period compared to those with lower or less frequent exposure.
2. Type of Asbestos Fiber: Not all types of asbestos are equally dangerous. Crocidolite (blue asbestos) and Amosite (brown asbestos) are generally considered more hazardous than Chrysotile (white asbestos), as their fibers are more durable and can be more easily lodged in lung tissue.
3. Age at First Exposure: Research suggests that individuals who were exposed to asbestos at a younger age may have a longer latency period. This is possibly due to their body’s more robust immune system, which is more effective at fighting off early cellular damage.
4. Smoking History: As mentioned, smoking significantly increases the risk of asbestos-related lung cancer and can also shorten the latency period for the disease.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Because of the extensive latency period, it is crucial for anyone with a known history of asbestos exposure to be vigilant about their health. The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases are often non-specific and can easily be mistaken for other, more common illnesses.

Common symptoms to watch for include:

• Shortness of breath: This is often the first symptom to appear, especially during or after physical exertion.
• A persistent, dry cough: A cough that does not go away and is not related to a cold or flu.
• Chest pain or tightness: Discomfort or pressure in the chest.
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or weakness that is not relieved by rest.
• Unexplained weight loss: A sudden and significant drop in weight without any changes in diet or exercise.
• Clubbing of the fingers or toes: A change in the shape of the fingertips, where they become wider and rounder.

If you have a history of asbestos exposure and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is vital to consult a physician immediately. Be sure to provide them with a detailed history of your exposure. Early diagnosis, while challenging, can lead to more effective treatment and improved quality of life.

Key Takeaways

The long latency period of asbestos-related diseases is a testament to the persistent and long-lasting harm caused by this once-lauded mineral. The silent progression of these illnesses over decades underscores the importance of awareness and vigilance, especially for those with a history of exposure. By understanding the typical timelines and the symptoms to watch for, individuals can take proactive steps to monitor their health and seek medical attention at the first sign of trouble.

Notwithstanding the difficulties in getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment protocol in place, it is possible to live for years with asbestosis, mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer. Treatment for these conditions can be very expensive, however. If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos, you have legal rights. Speak with an experienced attorney at the West Virginia law firm of Bailey, Javins & Carter, L.C. The firm has offices in Charleston, Logan and Summersville for your convenience;  contact the firm.