Review | The Various Stages of Mesothelioma

The Various Stages of Mesothelioma

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Mesothelioma is a sort of lung cancer that is caused solely by getting exposed to asbestos.  Doctors sometimes divide the progression of cancer into 4 stages based mostly 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 point, it is generally limited to the pleura.  The two pleura form a membrane that surrounds the lung, and are parted by a layer of lubricating liquid.  Mesothelioma in the pleura causes them to make more of this liquid than they need . 

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 gut ), or the heart.  It may affect the pleura on both sides of the body.  It might also affect 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 beyond the diaphragm and in the peritoneum ( the membrane that surrounds the intestinal cavity ).  It could also affect lymph nodes outside of the chest. 

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

Symptoms due to mesothelioma rely on where it has spread to.  If it is restricted to a lung ( as is typical of early mesothelioma stages ), it may 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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