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 becomes apparent. According to most experts, in the case of mesothelioma the latency period ranges from 20 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos occurred, though there have been instances when the time period was shorter or longer.
Due to the long latency period associated with the cancer, those exposed to asbestos during the 1950s, '60s and '70s are beginning to demonstrate mesothelioma symptoms today, decades after they were exposed to asbestos.