Many Minnesota households include family members who have been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. This is one of the most common and aggressive forms of cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Symptoms often lie hidden in a person’s body for years until, perhaps, a lingering cough, chest pain or sudden weight loss prompts the individual to seek medical attention, thereby leading to a diagnosis.
A global consulting firm that is well-versed in asbestos issues recently announced that the market projection for malignant pleural mesothelioma support is estimated to sustain a nearly 8% increase over the next six years. This not only means that more money will be spent throughout the health care system to research the disease, but also that more treatment for patients who have the terminal illness will be available as well, which may, perhaps, lead to more favorable prognoses. At this time, there is no cure for mesothelioma or asbestosis, another illness that results from exposure to asbestos.
Many medical professionals, scientists and others support combined treatment care for mesothelioma patients. This typically includes chemotherapy, as well as immuno-oncology treatments. Diagnosis often comes late, after mesothelioma has greatly progressed because in earlier stages, those affected are often asymptomatic. This is one of many reasons anyone not feeling well or exhibiting symptoms that coincide with possible asbestos exposure should always seek medical attention as soon as possible. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the more time there is to develop as strong of a treatment plan as possible.
Sadly, asbestos exposure often occurs in workplace settings. In the past, many asbestos injury victims learned after they were diagnosed that their employers were aware there was contamination in their workplaces. Employers are obligated to inform workers of known asbestos areas on the job, and to provide proper training and safety equipment to lower the risk for injury. Any Minnesota worker or resident who has questions about asbestos-related injuries may request a consultation with an experienced asbestos litigation attorney.
