General Mesothelioma Staging
A Guide to the Stages of Mesothelioma.
Currently, oncologists use a four-stage classification system in staging cases of mesothelioma. The first stage is localized while the remaining three are considered advanced.
In Stage I, cancer has not reached outside of the mesothelium of the chest wall. Cancer may also be found in the diaphragm, lung or the sac around the heart. At Stage I, mesothelioma is rather easy to treat with surgery. The oncologist will remove the diseased tissue and some of the surrounding normal tissues.
If the mesothelioma is localized, but found in more than one location, the oncologist may remove the outer membrane around the lung. Radiation therapy may also be used to lessen symptoms of the disease. Other treatments can include injection of anti-cancer medications following the removal of diseased tissue.
By Stage II, the cancer has grown past the mesothelium of the chest wall and into the lymph nodes on the same side of the chest as the primary tumor.
In Stage III mesothelioma, the cancer has spread into the mediastinum, which includes the trachea, the esophagus, thymus and the heart. The disease may also have reached past the diaphragm and into the lining of the abdominal wall. By this stage, the cancer may also have reached the lymph nodes on the other side of the chest.
Stage IV of mesothelioma indicates a spread to tissues and organs away from the respiratory system.
