Mesothelioma Stage gives us the scope of finding out how far the cancer has spread. Mesothelioma Stages is determined on the basis of imaging studies such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. The treatment and outlook for patients with mesothelioma largely depends on the stage (extent of spread) of their cancer. Since pleural mesothelioma occurs most frequently and has been studied the most, it is the only mesothelioma for which a staging classification exists.
Patients with stage I disease have a significantly better prognosis than those with more advanced stages. However, because of the relative rarity of this disease, exact survival information based upon stage is limited.
Treatment of the mesothelioma is based on the stages of the mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Treatment by Stage.
The staging system most often used for mesothelioma is the Butchart system. This system is based mainly on the extent of the primary tumor mass, and divides mesotheliomas into stages I through IV.
Once malignant mesothelioma is found, more tests will be done to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. This is called staging. A doctor needs to know the stage of the cancer to plan treatment. The following stages are used for malignant mesothelioma:
Patients with stage I disease have a significantly better prognosis than those with more advanced stages. However, because of the relative rarity of this disease, exact survival information based upon stage is limited.
Treatment of the mesothelioma is based on the stages of the mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Treatment by Stage.
The staging system most often used for mesothelioma is the Butchart system. This system is based mainly on the extent of the primary tumor mass, and divides mesotheliomas into stages I through IV.
Once malignant mesothelioma is found, more tests will be done to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. This is called staging. A doctor needs to know the stage of the cancer to plan treatment. The following stages are used for malignant mesothelioma:
Localized malignant mesothelioma Stage
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Stage I mesothelioma
The cancer is found in the lining of the chest cavity near the lung and heart or in the diaphragm or the lung.
Advanced malignant mesothelioma Stage
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Stage II mesothelioma
The cancer has spread beyond the lining of the chest to lymph nodes in the chest.
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Stage III mesothelioma
Cancer has spread into the chest wall, center of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm, or abdominal lining, and in some cases into nearby lymph nodes.
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Stage IV mesothelioma
Cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues.
Recurrent malignant mesothelioma Stage
Recurrent disease means that the cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated. It may come back in the lining of the chest or abdomen or in another part of the body.