Stages of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, or more precisely malignant mesothelioma, is a form of cancer that forms in the mesothelium, which is a tissue layer in vital organs such as the lungs, abdomen, and heart. Mesothelioma is very different than melanoma skin cancer. Mesothelioma is most commonly caused by asbestos exposure. Fortunately it is a rare from of cancer.
Defining the stages of mesothelioma helps determine the extent of cancer in a patient's body. Catching it in the early stages is extremely important in extending the patient's life. Stages identify clinical trials that can benefit a patient. It also helps to estimate the prognosis and to plan treatment options.
There are three main staging systems for mesothelioma. They are the Butchart System, Brigham, and the TNM system. The most commonly used is the TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors ("TNM"). In the acronym, the T stands for tumor, which describes the size of the tumor whether it has entered into nearby tissue. The N is for the lymph nodes, and the M is for metastasis, whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Staging is mostly commonly done in pleural mesothelioma, which is in the lining of the lungs.
Using the TNM system, the stages of mesothelioma are from Stage IA to Stage IV. Correct clinical staging is important to allow doctors to best treat the cancer. Stage I is the earliest stage of mesothelioma. It is the optimal time to detect the cancer as it allows the patient the best opportunity to extend their life. A patient at Stage IA would have a small amount of cancer with no spreading to the lymph nodes and no metastasis. At Stage IB, the mediastinal and diaphragmatic pleurae would be involved. A small tumor may also be present with visceral pleura involvement.
At Stage II, each ipsilateral pleural surface would be affected. There would also be involvement of the diaphragmatic muscle. The tumor may also extend from the visceral pleura into the underlying pulmonary parenchyma. At Stage III, the patient would have locally advanced cancerous tissue. Tumors may spread into the soft tissue of the chest wall. Surgery on the tumor would still be possible.
A patient with Stage IV mesothelioma would have a large amount of cancer with spreading to the regional lymph nodes and other organs. At this stage, tumors are too large to be removed by surgery. Radiation, chemotherapy, or other forms of treatment would also have little benefit as the patient would have a short life expectancy.
Unfortunately, most mesothelioma victims are not aware they have the cancer until a later stage. Early mesothelioma symptoms such as chest pain, a cough, or weight loss, can be associated with many other types of illnesses. Individuals who are experiencing these symptoms who worked in an environment with asbestos should promptly consult with a doctor for an examination. Early detection gives the patient the best chance at prolonging their survival.