Mesothelioma is a kind of lung cancer that is caused solely by exposure to asbestos.  Doctors sometimes divide the progression of cancer into 4 stages based mostly on how far the carcinoma has spread.  The four mesothelioma stages are as follows :

Stage I
In Stage I, the mesothelioma is confined to the side of the body.  At this point, it is typically 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 fluid than they need . 

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 abdomen 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 gut ), or the heart.  It may affect the pleura on each side of the body.  It might also affect 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 outside the diaphragm and in the peritoneum ( the surface that surrounds the abdominal cavity ).  It might also affect lymph nodes outside of the chest. 

Stage IV
In the last of the mesothelioma stages, the tumor has gone thru spreading, that is, it has gone through the blood vessels to spread to the organs a long way away from the chest and stomach. 

Symptoms caused by mesothelioma depend on where it has spread to.  If it is restricted 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, sudden 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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