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Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that is caused exclusively by exposure to asbestos.  Doctors sometimes divide the progression of cancer into 4 stages primarily 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 point, it is sometimes limited to the pleura.  The two pleura form a membrane that surrounds the lung, and are separated by a layer of lubricating fluid.  Mesothelioma in the pleura causes them to make more of this liquid 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 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 gut ), or the heart.  It may affect the pleura on both sides of the body.  It could also have an effect on the chest’s lymph nodes ( part of the immunological response that works to filter out foreign particles ). 

Stage III
In stage III, the mesothelioma has spread further.  It is now outside the diaphragm and in the peritoneum ( the membrane that surrounds the intestinal hole ).  It may also affect lymph nodes outside the chest. 

Stage IV
In the last of the mesothelioma stages, the tumor has gone thru metathesis, that is, it has gone thru the blood vessels to spread to the organs a great distance away from the chest and abdomen. 

Symptoms due to mesothelioma depend on where it has spread to.  If it is restricted to a lung ( as is typical 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 Problems.  In the final stages, it could cause difficulty swallowing, unexpected weight loss, or vomiting 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