Why Mesothelioma Often Goes Undiagnosed Until It’s Too Late

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that typically develops decades after asbestos exposure. The disease is very difficult to detect in its early stages. Many victims in Ohio are unaware they’ve even been exposed—especially those who worked in factories, shipyards, power plants, or construction during the height of asbestos use. Because the symptoms mimic more common conditions like pneumonia or chronic bronchitis, doctors may not immediately suspect mesothelioma, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Sadly, the best chances for survival are if doctors diagnose this cancer in stage one or stage two.

This blog explores the reasons behind these delays, the importance of early detection, and what Ohio workers and their families can do if they suspect asbestos exposure played a role in their health issues.

What causes mesothelioma

According to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, mesothelioma is a cancer that can form in the protective linings of your lungs (pleura) or abdominal organs (peritoneum). In rare cases, mesothelioma can affect your heart (pericardium) or the testicles (tunica vaginalis). The cancer begins in the mesothelium, “a type of tissue that makes up a lining that surrounds and protects certain organs.” Mesothelioma often “creates multiple tumors that can sometimes combine into a sheet over the affected organs, making it hard to treat.”

The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that was often used in homebuilding, construction, shipbuilding, and the automotive industry. Other industries that have used asbestos include mining and military service.

The needle-like fibers can damage your tissues if you swallow them or inhale them.

The risk factors for mesothelioma include radiation exposure, erionite (“an asbestos-like mineral, which was once used in road construction”), and genetics. Males are more prone to mesothelioma than females.

Why does it take a long time for mesothelioma symptoms to appear?

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, mesothelioma begins “20 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos, which explains in part why pleural mesothelioma occurs in men age 64 and older more often than in men in their 30s.”

According to Asbestos.com, the latency period (how long it takes for symptoms to develop) for mesothelioma depends on how much asbestos workers are exposed to and the length of the exposure. The type of asbestos also affects the latency period.

A 2022 study found that “pleural mesothelioma often appears sooner than peritoneal.”

Generally, second-hand asbestos exposure has a longer latency period.

“Each of the 6 types of asbestos has distinct fibers and different uses.” For example,

“Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, has very thin fibers. It’s considered deadlier than other asbestos types. It also has a shorter mesothelioma latency period. A 2022 study published in Case Reports of Gastroenterology shows crocidolite is closely associated with peritoneal mesothelioma.”

“The mean mesothelioma latency period for men is 48 years. The mean mesothelioma latency period for women is 53 years.”

Genetics may also affect the latency period.

Why is early detection of mesothelioma critical?

There are four stages of cancer that are generally defined by how much the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Generally, stage 1 and stage 2 cancers have some reasonable hope for life-saving or life-prolonging treatments. Stages 3 and 4 are more likely to be fatal. This is why early detection is critical. There are more treatment options for the early stages of cancer.

The possible treatments, depending on what stage of mesothelioma you (or your loved one) have, include:

• Surgery. Surgery could include “extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), pleurectomy with decortication (which removes your pleura and the tumor), cytoreduction, or pericardiectomy.”
• These procedures help your immune system identify and destroy cancer cells.
• These procedures involve giving patients drugs through an IV to help kill cancer cells. Some types of chemotherapy can directly target the tumors.
• Targeted therapies. “You might have genetic changes in your tumor cells that targeted therapies can treat.”
• Radiation therapy.“Radiation uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells.”

Cancer researchers are continually working on new medications to treat cancer. Your doctor may recommend these clinical trials.

Many patients, especially those in stages three and four, benefit from palliative care that helps treat the symptoms and side effects of mesothelioma.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the survival rates for mesothelioma depend on the kind you have.

“For example, the five-year relative survival rate for the most common type, pleural mesothelioma, is between 7% and 24%. In general, peritoneal mesothelioma survival rates are higher than those of other types.”

New treatments may have better success rates since most studies examine people who were treated at least five years ago.

How do doctors diagnose mesothelioma?

In addition to taking an oral history (including your work history) and conducting a physical examination, doctors use the following tests to diagnose or rule out mesothelioma:

• Blood tests
• Lung function tests
• X-rays
• CT scans
• PET (positron emission tomography) scans to detect if there are tumors in other parts of your body
• Biopsies
• Draining fluids “from your pleural or abdominal cavity (thoracentesis or paracentesis) to look for cancer cells (cytology).”

What rights do Ohio workers and families have if mesothelioma develops or becomes fatal?

The victims of mesothelioma may include Ohio workers who develop mesothelioma, family members who develop mesothelioma, and family members when a loved one dies from mesothelioma.

These victims can file the following types of claims.

• Personal injury claims. Anyone who developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure has the right to file a personal injury claim against the manufacturers of asbestos. Our mesothelioma lawyers work to show that asbestos (usually due to your work) caused your cancer. We demand compensation for your medical bills, lost income, daily physical pain and emotional suffering, and your inability to function and enjoy life’s pleasures.
• Wrongful death claims. Families can file a wrongful death action against the manufacturers of asbestos if they can show that the asbestos exposure caused their loved one to develop mesothelioma, which caused their death. Our Columbus mesothelioma lawyers demand compensation for the funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and the loss of personal support (love, comfort, education, and guidance) your loved one would have provided each family member.
• Mesothelioma trust fund claims. Victims and families can file personal injury and wrongful death claims through these bankruptcy funds if the manufacturer of asbestos is no longer running their business.
• VA benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers some benefits for members of the military who developed mesothelioma during their service.

In Ohio, personal injury claims need to be filed within two years after a competent medical authority informs you, or you should reasonably know, your condition is related to asbestos. In a wrongful death claim, you must file within two years of the decedent’s date of death. Asbestos bankruptcy trust deadlines vary by trust, so check the specific trust’s rules.

To discuss your right to compensation, call Soroka & Associates, LLC today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. Our Columbus mesothelioma lawyers have the experience and working relationships with asbestos professionals and cancer specialists to help you obtain the full compensation you deserve.