If mesothelioma is diagnosed, the doctor needs to know the stage, or extent, of the disease to plan the best treatment.
Stages of Mesothelioma
The stages of malignant mesothelioma are divided into two groups: localized and advanced.
Localized Malignant Mesothelioma (stage I)
In Localized Malignant Mesothelioma stage I cancer is found in the lining of the chest wall and may also be found in the lining of the lung, the lining of the diaphragm or the lining of the sac that covers the heart on the same side of the chest.
Advanced Malignant Mesothelioma (stage II, stage III, and stage IV)
In stage II, cancer is found in the lining of the chest wall and the lymph nodes on the same side of the chest. Cancer may also be found in the lining of the lung, the lining of the diaphragm or the lining of the sac that covers the heart on the same side of the chest.
In stage III, cancer has spread to the chest wall, the mediastinum, the heart, beyond the diaphragm and the peritoneum. Cancer may have also spread to the lymph nodes on the other side of the chest or outside of the chest.
In stage IV, cancer has spread to distant organs and tissues.