The Various Stages of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a sort of lung cancer that is caused exclusively by getting exposed to asbestos. Doctors typically divide the progression of cancer into 4 stages based on how far the disease has spread. The four 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 parted by a layer of lubricating fluid. Mesothelioma in the pleura causes them to make more of this fluid than they require.
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 stomach ), or the heart. It may affect the pleura on each side of the body. It might also have an effect on 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 hole ). It could also affect lymph nodes outside the chest.
Stage IV
In the last of the mesothelioma stages, the cancer has gone thru metathesis, that is, it has gone thru the bloodstream to spread to the organs far away from the chest and abdomen.
Symptoms due to mesothelioma depend on where it has spread to. If it is confined to a lung ( as is characteristic of early mesothelioma stages ), it may 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, sudden weight reduction, 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
Filed Under Pfaff Sewing Machine | Leave a Comment
Tagged With
Comments
Leave a Reply