The stages of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a sort of lung cancer that is caused solely by exposure to asbestos.  Doctors typically divide the progression of cancer into 4 stages based mostly on how far the cancer has spread.  The 4 mesothelioma stages are like this :

Stage I
In Stage I, the mesothelioma is confined to the side of the body.  At this stage, it is typically limited to the pleura.  The two pleura form a surface that surrounds the lung, and are parted by a layer of lubricating fluid.  Mesothelioma in the pleura causes them to make more of this fluid than they need . 

On rare occasions, Stage I mesothelioma may involve the lung itself, the pericardium ( the membrane that surrounds the heart ), or the diaphragm ( the muscle that separates the stomach from the chest ). 

Stage II
In stage II, the mesothelioma has spread.  It now involves the chest wall, the esophagus ( which connects the mouth to the stomach ), or the heart.  It may affect the pleura on each side of the body.  It might also have an effect on the chest’s lymph nodes ( part of the immune reaction that works to filter foreign particles ). 

Stage III
In stage III, the mesothelioma has spread further.  It is now outside the diaphragm and in the peritoneum ( the membrane that surrounds the abdominal hole ).  It may also affect lymph nodes outside of the chest. 

Stage IV
In the last of the mesothelioma stages, the malignancy has gone thru metastasis, that is, it has gone thru the blood vessels to spread to the organs far away from the chest and stomach. 

Symptoms due to mesothelioma depend on where it has spread to.  If it is restricted to a lung ( as is characteristic of early mesothelioma stages ), it may cause dry coughing and loss of breath.  If it has spread to the peritoneum, it can cause fever, swelling, and bowel or urinary issues.  In the final stages, it could cause difficulty swallowing, sudden weight loss, or barfing blood.swallowing, sudden weight loss, or vomiting blood.

*Please note: Information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult a physician in all matters relating to your health.

Article By John Black

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