The stages of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a sort of lung cancer that’s caused completely by being exposed to asbestos. Doctors typically divide the progression of cancer into four stages based on how far the carcinoma has spread. The four mesothelioma stages are like this :
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 membrane that surrounds the lung, and are divided 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 belly ), or the heart. It may affect the pleura on either side of the body. It could also have an effect on the chest’s lymph nodes ( part of the immune reaction that works to filter 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 cavity ). It could 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 through the bloodstream to spread to the organs a long way away from the chest and abdomen.
Symptoms due to mesothelioma rely on where it has spread to. If it is confined 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 trouble swallowing, unexpected weight reduction, or barfing 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
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