The Various Stages of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that is caused solely by being exposed to asbestos.  Doctors usually divide the progression of cancer into 4 stages based mostly on how far the carcinoma has spread.  The four mesothelioma stages are as follows :

Stage I
In Stage I, the mesothelioma is confined to one 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 divided by a layer of lubricating liquid.  Mesothelioma in the pleura causes them to make more of this fluid than they require. 

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 belly ), or the heart.  It may affect the pleura on each side of the body.  It could also affect the chest’s lymph nodes ( part of the immune system that works to clear out foreign particles ). 

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

Stage IV
In the last of the mesothelioma stages, the malignancy has gone thru spreading, that is, it has gone through the bloodstream to spread to the organs a great distance away from the chest and stomach. 

Symptoms due to mesothelioma depend on where it has spread to.  If it is limited to a lung ( as is typical of early mesothelioma stages ), it can cause dry coughing and loss of breath.  If it has spread to the peritoneum, it can cause fever, swelling, and bowel or urinary Problems.  In the final stages, it can cause difficulty swallowing, sudden weight reduction, or vomiting 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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