Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells which line the tissue of organs including the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testicles. Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma. The latency period of this disease makes it difficult to detect in times near initial exposure. Asbestos is a family of six fibers and is a natural mineral resistant to heat and corrosion. The mineral was commonly used during the industrial revolution and was active in many buildings, cars, shipyards, and naval ships. As mentioned, mesothelioma might not be detectable by a biopsy or conventional imaging scan for years after initial exposure. However, after a diagnosis of mesothelioma is discovered, the size spread can be measured and categorized into four different cancer stages.
Types of Mesothelioma
Before getting into the mesothelioma stages, there are four types of mesothelioma:
- Pleural Mesothelioma (tissue lining of the lungs)
- Pericardial Mesothelioma (tissue lining of the heart)
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma (tissue lining of the abdomen)
- Testicular Mesothelioma (tissue lining of the testicles)
Four Mesothelioma Stages
Mesothelioma Stage 1: In this stage, the mesothelioma is confined to the mesothelium. It is possible to have surgery to remove the diseased tissue if it is contained. Forms of treatment can include radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery.
Mesothelioma Stage 2: The mesothelioma is no longer constrained to the walls of the mesothelium, and it has escaped out of the fatty tissue of the lung if pleural mesothelioma and diaphragm if peritoneal mesothelioma. The symptoms likely have intensified and can range from pain in your chest, shortness of breath, and unexpected weight loss.
This mesothelioma stage has further exams conducted such as:
- Biopsy
- Fine needle aspiration (Cells drawn from needle)
- Thoracoscopy (internal examination of chest)
- Laparoscopy (internal examination of abdomen)
- Thoracotomy (internal examination of chest-heart)
- Laparotomy (incision in abdomen)
- X-rays
- Lung scan
- CT scan
- MRI.
Mesothelioma Stage 3: The mesothelioma has now entered other local organs. There is a possibility of exposure to other lymph nodes. It’s possible that the mesothelioma has spread to the organs in the mediastinum which include the esophagus and trachea, or a deeper layer of the chest, or even the heart itself.
Mesothelioma Stage 4: The mesothelioma has now entered a stage of complete and utter propagation. This means that the disease has spread to distant organs. This is the most advanced form of the disease.
Treatments for Mesothelioma
If caught in the earlier mesothelioma stages a few of the treatments can include:
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery (Reduce fluid buildup, remove the infected tissue)
However, these treatments also depend on previous health conditions, age, and the type of mesothelioma you are diagnosed with. If you or someone you know has been affected by asbestos exposure or mesothelioma in the state of Pennsylvania, please visit The Halpern Law firm for a free consultation or call 1 (800) 505-6000 to turn today’s adversity into tomorrow’s justice.
Sorces:
“Malignant Mesothelioma Stages | Malignant Mesothelioma Metastasis.” Cancer.org, 2024, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging.html. Accessed 14 Feb. 2024.
