Yes, children and teens do sometimes get mesothelioma. However, this type of cancer is much more common in older people who have a history of asbestos exposure, usually through work. Two out of every three people with mesothelioma are at least 65 years old. Some children suffer exposure to asbestos via secondary exposure, but it is unclear how these children develop mesothelioma despite the disease normally requiring decades to develop in adults.
If you or a loved one has mesothelioma and believe it is due to asbestos exposure, an attorney from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to pursue compensation on your behalf. Call (800) 307-3113 now to learn more.
Research Is Not Clear About the Cause of Mesothelioma in Youth
There are unique clinical and genetic characteristics of younger mesothelioma patients, according to a study of patients under 35 years old in Modern Pathology. Young people with mesothelioma are more likely to have a history of therapeutic radiation and a family history of breast cancer. These factors may have some link to the development of mesothelioma.
Some people believe mesothelioma in young people may occur because of secondary exposure to asbestos. This occurs when someone else works in an environment with asbestos, and they track the carcinogen into their vehicle and their own home. The fibers stick to skin, hair, and clothes, and over time, mesothelioma develops.
Young People May Have a Somewhat Better Prognosis
Patients with a mesothelioma diagnosis before age 35 may be able to handle cancer treatments better and have a greater chance of recovery. Possible treatments include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Immunotherapy
Other factors besides age that affect prognosis include the stage of the mesothelioma at diagnosis, whether surgical removal is possible, and the general health of the patient. Overall, the Modern Pathology study found that the median overall survival for patients under age 35 was 40 months. While this is significantly longer than the survival for the older patients, 26 months on average, both are less than the average prognosis of five years or less.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 307-3113
Some Mesothelioma Cases May Support Legal Action
Pursuing legal action for cases when kids get mesothelioma may present difficulties, as it is difficult to determine how these kids developed cancer. When mesothelioma develops due to asbestos exposure, it takes 10 to 50 years to become symptomatic. Developing mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure in childhood is unlikely for this reason.
For young adults and older patients with mesothelioma, however, the diagnosis may support a civil case. If we can demonstrate a link between your cancer and asbestos exposure, you may qualify to pursue and recover compensation. We can answer your questions and help you get started today.
We handle all cases on a contingency fee, and you do not have to pay us until we win.
Talk to an Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Attorney Today
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we offer free case reviews for patients with mesothelioma and their families. We want to talk to you about your case. We may be able to prove a link between your cancer and your exposure to asbestos decades before. If so, we can build your case and pursue a settlement or take your case to court and fight for the award you deserve.
Call (800) 307-3113 now for your free case review. We are ready to help you.
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