Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that is caused solely by being exposed to asbestos. Doctors sometimes divide the progression of cancer into four stages based mostly on how far the carcinoma has spread. The four mesothelioma stages are like this :
Stage I
In Stage I, the mesothelioma is confined to one side of the body. At this time, it is sometimes limited to the pleura. The two pleura form a surface that surrounds the lung, and are separated by a layer of lubricating fluid. Mesothelioma in the pleura causes them to make more of this liquid than they want.
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 may also have an effect on the chest’s lymph nodes ( part of the immune reaction 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 hole ). It may also affect lymph nodes outside of the chest.
Stage IV
In the last of the mesothelioma stages, the tumor has gone thru metastasis, that is, it has gone thru the bloodstream to spread to the organs a long way away from the chest and stomach.
Symptoms caused by mesothelioma rely on where it has spread to. If it is limited to a lung ( as is characteristic of early mesothelioma stages ), it could 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 difficulty 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