Stages of malignant mesothelioma

Once malignant mesothelioma is found, more tests will be done to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. This is called staging. A doctor needs to know the stage of the cancer to plan treatment. The following stages are used for malignant mesothelioma.

Localized malignant mesothelioma

Stage I

The cancer is found in the lining of the chest cavity near the lung and heart or in the diaphragm or the lung. Advanced malignant mesothelioma Stage II

The cancer has spread beyond the lining of the chest to lymph nodes in the chest. Stage III

Cancer has spread into the chest wall, center of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm, or abdominal lining, and in some cases into nearby lymph nodes. Stage IV

Cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues. Recurrent malignant mesothelioma Recurrent disease means that the cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated. It may come back in the lining of the chest or abdomen or in another part of the body.

Advanced Malignant Mesothelioma (Stages II, III, and IV)

Treatment may be one of the following:

Draining of fluid in the chest or abdomen (thoracentesis or paracentesis) to reduce discomfort. Drugs also may be put into the chest or abdomen to prevent further collection of fluid. Surgery to relieve symptoms. Radiation therapy to relieve symptoms. Chemotherapy. A clinical trial of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy given in the chest or abdomen. Materials Related to Topic

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What Is Malignant Mesothelioma?Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the sac lining the chest or abdomen.