Mesothelioma Stages

Currently, there are three mesothelioma staging systems used to diagnose and treat malignant mesothelioma. Each staging system measures various factors, which include the extent of the disease, metastasis, lymph node involvement, and more.

  Butchart System is the oldest mesothelioma staging system and the most commonly used by physicians to diagnose and treat the disease. Butchart system is based on the size of the tumor mass and divides the cancer into four different stages:

  Stage I Mesothelioma has affected the right or left side of the pleura (chest) cavity, and may also be seen in the diaphragm.

  Stage II Mesothelioma has penetrated the chest lining into the heart, pleura, or esophagus on both sides. Lymph nodes may be affected.

  Stage III Mesothelioma has reached the peritoneum (abdominal cavity). Lymph nodes past the chest may be affected.

  Stage IV Mesothelioma has entered the bloodstream and reached other organs

  TNM System is a more current mesothelioma staging system that is based on variables such as the extent of the tumor, metastasis, and lymph node involvement. In TNM staging system, mesothelioma is divided into four different stages:

  Stage I Mesothelioma is present in the right or left pleural cavity and may have metastasized to the lung, pericardium (sac around the heart), or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not involved.

  Stage II Mesothelioma has reached from one side of the pleural cavity to a lymph node near the lung area on the same side. The cancer has also metastasized to the diaphragm, pericardium, or lung on the same side.

  Stage III Mesothelioma has penetrated the chest lining, heart, esophagus, muscle, ribs, and vital organs in the chest cavity on the same side. Lymph nodes may or may not be involved.

  Stage IV Mesothelioma has metastasized to the pleural area and lymph nodes on the opposite side of the tumor, or has reached the chest cavity or lung on both sides, or has spread to vital organs in the abdomen.

  Brigham System is the most recent staging system for mesothelioma and looks at variables such as lymph node status and tumor resectability (ability to surgically remove a tumor). The Brigham staging system consists of five stages:

  Stage I Mesothelioma is still resectable and lymph nodes are not affected.

  Stage II Mesothelioma is still resectable. Lymph nodes have been affected.

  Stage III Mesothelioma is not resectable and has penetrated the chest wall, heart, abdominal cavity, or diaphragm. Lymph nodes may or may not be affected.

  Stage IV Mesothelioma has completely metastasized.

Please contact us today for more information about mesothelioma staging systems or to speak with an experienced and qualified mesothelioma attorney who can protect your legal rights and maximize your interests.