Studies show that lower exposure levels and shorter durations of exposure can lead to longer latency periods. Conversely, individuals with high levels of exposure for long periods of time have significantly shorter latency periods.
The latency period typically continues until later stages of the disease, when symptoms finally begin and a doctor can diagnose the patient. For most illnesses, a latency period begins when an individual is exposed to a virus or other illness-inducing entity and ends when the person first begins experiencing symptoms. Although some experts use this definition for mesothelioma latency period, most agree this asbestos-related cancer is considered latent until it is actually diagnosed.
This is because symptoms of mesothelioma can actually arise before a patient has the cancer. Asbestosis, a non-cancerous illness caused by asbestos, has many of the same symptoms and is often a precursor to mesothelioma. So a patient suffering from asbestosis could have mesothelioma-like symptoms such as a persistent cough and chest pain before the cancer manifests itself.At these later stages, the cancer is more difficult to treat and the patient generally has a shorter life expectancy. But a prompt diagnosis followed by immediate treatment can lead to an improved prognosis.
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