Epithelial Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they become lodged in the lung tissue, where they remain indefinitely. Mesothelioma is associated with hard, crystalline amphibole asbestos, which consists of hard, needle-like fibers that literally bore through lung tissue over time, causing chronic inflammation that ultimately results in malignancy. The disease has a very long latency period, which can be anywhere from five to seventy-five years. The symptoms of the disease are also similar to other respiratory illnesses, which is why mesothelioma has historically been so difficult to diagnose.