Stages of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma enters several stages of progression, some even before a patient notices any symptoms. There are three forms of mesothelioma, pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal as well as the sub-types epitheliod, sacromatous, and mixed (biphasic). Analyzing cell structure is important for understanding the type and stage of progression of the disease to determine which treatment options are necessary, or most likely to be effective.

For pleural mesothelioma, three staging systems are used to help make a determination. The oldest and most commonly used is the Butchart. Another is the TNM, and the most recent is the Brigham System. With the Butchart, staging is based on the progression of the major mass or tumor. The four stages of this system are as follows:

1. The cancer (mesothelioma) is seen in the pleura and possibly the diaphragm.
2. It is spread to chest wall, heart, esophagus, lymph nodes, or both sides of the pleura
3. It has spread to the peritoneum or abdominal cavity
4. It has metastasized (spread to organs & blood stream)

The TNM System observes the variables of the tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis. The stages for this are:

1. Shown in either side of the pleura and possibly the lungs, diaphragm, or pericardium
2. Spread to local lymph nodes and possibly affected the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm
3. Spread to chest organs of the same side of the tumor including the heart and muscle, ribs, and esophagus
4. Spread to organs and tissue on the opposite side of the primary tumor or metastasized

The Brigham System is based on lymph node involvement and whether the tumors or affected areas can be surgically removed (respectability). The stages of this system are:

1. Mesothelioma is respectable and does not affect the lymph nodes
2. It is respectable, but does affect the lymph nodes
3. It is not respectable, and has spread to tissue and organs past the chest wall. May or may not affect lymph nodes.
4. It has mestastasized

It is important for doctors and patients to maintain a good line of communication when dealing with mesothelioma. Empowerment comes from staying informed about disease progression, being proactive about treatment, and confronting any issues.