Mesothelioma is a kind of lung cancer that is caused solely by being exposed to asbestos. Doctors usually divide the progression of cancer into four stages based mostly on how far the cancer has spread. The 4 mesothelioma stages are like this :
Stage I
In Stage I, the mesothelioma is confined to one side of the body. At this point, it is generally 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 fluid than they want.
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 either side of the body. It may also affect 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 beyond the diaphragm and in the peritoneum ( the surface that surrounds the abdominal cavity ). It may 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 bloodstream to spread to the organs a great distance away from the chest and stomach.
Symptoms caused by mesothelioma rely on where it has spread to. If it is limited to a lung ( as is typical of early mesothelioma stages ), it can 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 trouble swallowing, unexpected 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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