Mesothelioma is a sort of lung cancer that is caused completely by getting exposed to asbestos. Doctors typically divide the progression of cancer into four stages primarily based on how far the cancer 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 time, it is generally limited to the pleura. The two pleura form a surface that surrounds the lung, and are divided by a layer of lubricating liquid. Mesothelioma in the pleura causes them to make more of this fluid 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 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 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 immunological response that works to clear out 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 hole ). It may 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 bloodstream to spread to the organs a great distance 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 issues. In the final stages, it can 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
