Mesothelioma Stages
The stages of malignant mesothelioma are divided into two groups.
Malignant mesothelioma stages are grouped into localized and advanced.
Localized malignant mesothelioma (stage I)
In localized malignant mesothelioma, cancer is found in the lining of the chest wall and may also be found in the lining of the lung, the lining of the diaphragm, or the lining of the sac that covers the heart on the same side of the chest.
Advanced malignant mesothelioma (stage II, stage III, and stage IV)
Advanced malignant mesothelioma includes stage II, stage III, and stage IV.
In stage II, cancer is found in the lining of the chest wall and the lymph nodes on the same side of the chest. Cancer may also be found in the lining of the lung, the lining of the diaphragm, or the lining of the sac that covers the heart on the same side of the chest.
In stage III, cancer has spread to any of the following areas:
The chest wall.
The mediastinum.
The heart.
Beyond the diaphragm.
The peritoneum.
Cancer may have also spread to lymph nodes on the other side of the chest or outside the chest.
In stage IV, cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues.
Stage II
Cancer is found in the lining of the chest wall and the lymph nodes on the same side of the chest. Cancer may also be found in the lining of the lung, the lining of the diaphragm (the thin muscle below the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen), or the lining of the sac that covers the heart on the same side of the chest. Stage II malignant mesothelioma is advanced malignant mesothelioma.
Stage III
Cancer has spread to the chest wall, mediastinum, heart, lining of the peritoneum, and/or beyond the diaphragm. Cancer may also have spread to lymph nodes on the other side of the chest or outside the chest. Stage III malignant mesothelioma is advanced malignant mesothelioma.
Stage IV
Cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues. Stage IV malignant mesothelioma is advanced malignant mesothelioma
