The Various Stages of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a sort of lung cancer that’s caused solely by being exposed to asbestos. Doctors usually divide the progression of cancer into four stages based mostly on how far the carcinoma has spread. The 4 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 sometimes limited to the pleura. The two pleura form a surface 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 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 stomach 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 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 surface that surrounds the abdominal hole ). It could also affect lymph nodes outside the chest.
Stage IV
In the last of the mesothelioma stages, the cancer has gone through spreading, that is, it has gone thru the blood vessels to spread to the organs a long way away from the chest and stomach.
Symptoms caused by mesothelioma depend on where it has spread to. If it is confined to a lung ( as is characteristic 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 may cause trouble swallowing, unexpected weight loss, or puking 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
Filed Under: Featured
