Mesothelioma Stages

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

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 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 abdomen 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 system 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 could also affect lymph nodes outside the chest. 

Stage IV
In the last of the mesothelioma stages, the malignancy has gone through metastasis, that is, it has gone through the bloodstream to spread to the organs far away from the chest and abdomen. 

Symptoms caused by mesothelioma depend on where it has spread to.  If it is restricted to a lung ( as is characteristic of early mesothelioma stages ), it could 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 may cause trouble swallowing, unexpected weight reduction, 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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