What are the Four Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer?

| Posted: 21-08-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 62 | Rating: (67)

(?)

One rare form of cancer is called Mesothelioma, a malignant tumor in the mesothelial tissues of the lungs and the abdomen, arising from the inhalation of asbestos. Its rarity is one of the reasons why a lot of people are not aware of this kind of fatal disease. In fact, many people die of Mesothelioma undiagnosed. Although there is now a growing awareness of the hazards of asbestos to health, still many have not heard of Mesothelioma and thus, have not understood its nature, cause, signs and treatment. Even some physicians find it hard to detect Mesothelioma because its symptoms are akin to other diseases like lung cancer and pneumonia. Furthermore, it takes decades for a patient who was exposed to asbestos to develop Mesothelioma — fifty years, at most.

Being unaware of Mesothelioma poses higher risks since it deters diagnosis and treatment. A person undergoing treatment must know the different stages of the cancer or the extent of the disease. Chances of recovering from Mesothelioma and the kind of treatment depend on the stage of the illness. There are basically two staging systems used for Pleural Mesothelioma (lungs): TNM system and Brighan system. These staging systems are also used in other kinds of cancers; however, the first is commonly used. There is no established method in determining the stage of the Peritoneal Mesothelioma cancer (abdominal) so the TNM system is used.

There are three variables in the TNM system: tumor, lymph nodes and metastasis. In the earliest stage of Mesothelioma, stage I, the malignant Mesothelioma cells start to grow and multiply only one layer of the pleura. The pleura is the membrane that encloses the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. However, there are some instances wherein the pericardium (membrane that covers the heart) and diaphragm cover are already affected. In this case, the cancer patient is still in stage I Mesothelioma.

In the second stage, the two layers of the pleura are already affected by Mesothelioma. Take note, however, that in this stage, only one side of the body is affected. Normally, the pleura produces only small amount of lubricating fluid that allows easy expanding and contracting of the lungs. The excess fluid is absorbed by the blood and the lymph vessels so there’s a balance between the amount of fluid produced and removed. During the second stage Mesothelioma, fluid starts to build up between the membrane of the lungs and the membrane of the chest wall, resulting to pleural effusion. The increase in the volume of fluid produced causes shortness of breath and chest pain. Other Mesothelioma cancer patients experience dry and persistent cough. Diagnosis of the pleural effusion is achieved through a chest x-ray.

Stage III Mesothelioma means that the malignant cells have already spread to the chest wall, esophagus and the lymph nodes on one part of the chest. The patient may suffer severe pain near the parts affected. When not treated immediately or when the Mesothelioma patient doesn’t respond well to medication, the cancer may advance to the fourth stage. The fourth stage Mesothelioma is formidable since at this stage the Mesothelioma cells have penetrated into the bloodstream and other organs in the body like the liver, the bones and the brain. The lymph nodes on the other side of the chest may also be affected by Mesothelioma in stage IV.

Brighan staging system, on the other hand, determines whether the Mesothelioma can be surgically removed or not and whether the lymph nodes are affected or not. In stage I Mesothelioma, the lymph nodes are not yet affected and the patient can still recover through surgery. In stage II, surgery can still be executed but some lymph nodes have already been infiltrated by the cancer cells. In stage III, the heart and chest wall are already affected; thus, surgery is no longer advisable. The lymph nodes in this stage, however, may or may not be affected. In the final stage, stage IV Mesothelioma, cancer cells have already gone to the bloodstream and other parts of the body like the heart, brain, bone and liver. In most cases, a patient who has reached stage IV Mesothelioma only has four to twenty-four months to live.

Rate this Article:

Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Tags: Diagnosis, Treatment, Cancer, Mesothelioma, Determines

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/what-are-the-four-stages-of-mesothelioma-cancer-202110.html

Print article

Send to friend

Publish this Article

Author feedback

About the Author:

Smith Chen is an author and internet marketing consultant. Find more about discover and review page more

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Add new Comment

Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer - a Happy-ending Story
By: Sara Daniels | 14/07/2008 | Cancer
Stage III ovarian cancer is a scary diagnosis. If you go and read too much online you may feel the odds are against you, but read on for a story of how it's very possible to beat those odds.

Natural Cancer Remedy - 5 Helpful Foods That Fight Cancer
By: Sara Daniels | 15/07/2008 | Cancer
Many people have realized that natural cures are the best whenever possible, and there are literally an endless number of foods that can fight cancer. Here is a list of 5 cancer-fighting foods and natural remedies that you may not know about.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options
By: Garry Neale | 24/05/2008 | Medicine
Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by contact with asbestos, a carcinogen. The disease attacks the lining of the lung or the lining of the abdominal cavity. It can be difficult to deal with this type of cancer and find decent mesothelioma info online. This article will outline some of the...

Ovarian Cancer Stages - What Do They Mean?
By: Sara Daniels | 15/07/2008 | Cancer
Ovarian Cancer is not as widely publicized as other cancers such as breast, lung, etc, so a diagnosis often leaves people clueless and searching for answers. Here is a breakdown of the stages and what they mean.

Ovarian Cancer - 7 Early Warning Signs
By: Sara Daniels | 11/07/2008 | Cancer
Ovarian cancer is known as "the silent killer." Don't let it creep up on you. Arm yourself with the information on what to look for and heed the 7 early warning signs

Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer - How Does it Work?
By: Sara Daniels | 17/07/2008 | Cancer
Ovarian Cancer is a scary diagnosis, and the idea of chemotherapy is more frightening still. It always makes things easier if you are informed. Here is an overview of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer and how it works.

Cancer Alternative Treatments - Try the Sun
By: Sara Daniels | 17/07/2008 | Cancer
Cancer is a huge fear for almost anyone. It seems to be everywhere these days, doesn't it? And what can you do to avoid becoming the next statistic? One much overlooked alternative is so simple - the sun. Read on to find out how the sun can help keep you cancer free.

Alimta & Cisplatin Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma Patients
By: Donald Nye | 13/03/2008 | Cancer
A summary of the facts surrounding the treatment of malignant mesothelioma with the strong chemotherapy agents Alimta and Cisplatin

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

My mother took a drug during her pregnancy with me ...
By: Mari | 09-07-2008
My mother took a drug during her pregnancy with me in 1954. She was having trouble carrying me. I do not know the name of it and I have a lot of physical problems. Hearing aids , cataracts and things like that . Do you have any idea the name that it might be

Can a blood infection lead to cancer?
By: Sonia | 04-07-2008
Can a blood infection lead to cancer?

Breast cancer her 2 neu: I am positive for her 2 ...
By: Vivian | 01-07-2008
breast cancer her 2 neu: I am positive for her 2 neu and I had a mastectomy, x3 positive nodes....chemo and one year of herceptin. What is my risk of reoccurence?

Pat Dezinski battleing Cancer two or three years back! Does anyone know anything about this great artist?
By: Virginia Shirley | 30-06-2008
The last time i heard from pat dezinski was maybe two or three years ago! She was battleing Stomach Cancer! She had been through 2 operations and Chemo ~ not doing well!!! Does anyon know about Pat's Health and her battle with Cancer!!!

What is cartilaginous glenoid labrum. also slap ...
By: dani terral | 30-06-2008
what is cartilaginous glenoid labrum. also slap lesion vs. anatomic variant

Swallowing problems due to radiation treatment
By: danskeens | 29-06-2008
due to radiation treatment im unable to swallow for the past two years Ive had 45 dialiations 140 hours of hyperbaric treatment and now i doing vital stem 12 treatment so far im still not having elevation of the laryngeal that lead to epiglottic inversion(flip back) im still aspirationing i do have a small open now in my espohegues. the stricture is the upper part. If there is any other treatment i need to due or surgery that can be done . thanks dan skeens ps im getting hungry..i able to travel and open to and new ideal. im 53 years old and i had a tumor on the upper epiglottics. which was remove and 39 days of radiation.. so any help will be appriatiate. thanks dan skeens 417 368 8186

Q&A Powered by:

Latest Diseases and Conditions Articles

Natural Remedies for Chicken Pox - Your Kids Will Thank You
By: Shannon Pollock | 25/07/2008
Chicken pox has been around forever and parents across the world know that it is normally a reason to panic. It can be very irritating for the person that has it though and it is commonly thought of as a childhood disease.

Ovarian Cysts Side Effects Revealed
By: Mary Parker | 25/07/2008
Not knowing the side effects of ovarian cysts can be risky. Know them here because they can harm your health and fertility.

What To Look For When Considering An Addiction Treatment Program In Nevada?
By: Todd Lange | 25/07/2008
Find out about important things you must pay attention to when planning an addiction treatment program in Nevada.

Note These Points When Looking For Drug Addiction Treatment In Maryland
By: Todd Lange | 25/07/2008
Looking for drug addiction treatment in Maryland is complicated by the fact that there are several kinds of treatment programs for the same kind of addiction. Here is a list of some points that you must remember when you are looking for a treatment option here.

What Products To Use To Treat Head Lice
By: Gloria Gangi | 25/07/2008
You have just found out that you or a family member has a head full of head lice, your primary concern now is how to treat the head lice nits so that they do not infest the rest of the family or other people you may know

How To Help Stop Snoring Quickly
By: Gloria Gangi | 25/07/2008
Do you have a loved one that is keeping you up all night because of their snoring? If so do you want to know how to help stop their snoring?

What Is High Cholesterol And How Does It Affect Me
By: Dick Aronson | 25/07/2008
Article on high cholesterol levels and the problems associated with this condition.

Causes of Childhood Insomnia - Dealing With Insomnia in Children and Teens
By: Wendy Owen | 25/07/2008
Insomnia is very common in adults; however, often kids have sleep problems as well. If you happen to have a child who is having trouble sleeping they may be dealing with childhood insomnia.

More from Smith & Chen

The Most Unusual Businesses
By: Smith & Chen | 21/09/2007 | Business
Then there was the guy in who decided last year to finance college by selling one million pixels of advertising space on his web page for a dollar per pixel.

Should you Let your Stock Photo Business Customers Pay by Credit Card?
By: Smith & Chen | 21/09/2007 | Finance
The process for applying for a merchant account varies depending on the company. For example, some providers ask you to provide a photo of your driver’s license, and even of your home office or studio to verify you are in the location you say that you are.

Fort Myers Beach Vacations
By: Smith & Chen | 15/09/2007 | Travel
On that note, be sure to reserve a place to stay that will not only keep you housed in comfort, but in class and convenience as well. Fort Myers Vacation Rentals make an excellent choice, and often cost no more than standard hotel accommodations.

History of Native American Turquoise Jewelry in the Usa
By: Smith & Chen | 09/09/2007 | Jewelry
The market collapsed and most of the American turquoise mines were shut down and have remained closed since that time. Turquoise demand hit a low water mark in the early 1980s, but has been slowly and steadily increasing in popularity since that time.

Refinance House Loans for Home Improvements
By: Smith & Chen | 21/08/2007 | Finance
Be reliable do totally a few online searches to uncover more information about home equity loans. After all, this is your home equity loan, so make reliable you learn all that you can in order to get the most out of it.

Ss Norway is Being Sold for Scrap - a Report on What a Cruise Was Like on the Legendary Vessel
By: Smith & Chen | 20/08/2007 | Travel
At the end of seven time, the ship was saccordling with decorations, swift for the Christmas and New Year's Cruise. They were alswift perfectly booked. But, I thought, I can mark up for next year.

Even With Bad Credit Car Finance Could Still be for you
By: Smith & Chen | 19/08/2007 | Finance
The best way to enassured you can safe the best bad credit car loan contract, like something, is of course to educate manually with all the provisos and terminologies of the loaning bazaar .

Organising your Wedding Stationery
By: Smith & Chen | 18/08/2007 | Relationships
Wedding invitations set the tone for your wedding and tell your guests what variety of style and theme you have special for your wedding.

Article Categories

Article Marketing

Article Notepad

Stop Duplicate Content

Term Papers

Need Help?

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.26, 17)

What are the Four Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer?

Article Comments

Related Articles

Got a Question? Ask.

Latest Diseases and Conditions Articles

More from Smith & Chen

Need Help?

Site Links

Webmasters

Business Info

Sign up for our email newsletter