What are the Staging Systems of Mesothelioma?

The stage of a cancer is a descriptor of how far cancer has spread in its course. The stage of the cancer typically takes into account the size of a tumor, how deep into the tissue it has penetrated, if adjacent organs have been affected, and whether it has metastasized or spread to other organs. The staging of cancer through the use of imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans is crucial because the stage at diagnosis is the best predictor of survival, and the best way to determine the course of treatment. Correct staging is also critical as it directly influences treatment options available to patients. If a patient is staged incorrectly serious complications can arise, including improper treatment and diminished patient survival. Pleural mesothelioma, as the most common and easiest to study, is the only type of mesothelioma that has a staging classification.

The Butchart staging system is based on tumor mass, dividing mesothelioma into stage I through IV. It is still the most commonly used.

  • Stage I – mesothelioma is present in the left or right pleura and could involve the lung, pericardium or diaphragm on the same side.
  • Stage II – mesothelioma has invaded the chest wall or involves the esophagus, heart, lymph nodes or pleura on both sides.
  • Stage III – mesothelioma has entered the peritoneum and lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may be involved.
  • Stage IV – there is proof that mesothelioma has spread through the bloodstream to other organs.

Another staging system developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) called the TNM system is similar to the same staging systems used on other cancers. The T – means tumor (its size and how far its spread). The N – means it’s spread to lymph nodes. The M means – metastasis – and has spread to distant organs.

There are minor differences between the two systems. TNM stages are:

  • Stage I – mesothelioma is present in the right or left pleura. It may have spread into the lung, pericardium or diaphragm on the same side. The lymph nodes are not involved.
  • Stage II – mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to the nearby peribronchial and/or hilar lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may have spread to the lung, pericardium or diaphragm on the same side.
  • Stage III – Mesothelioma has spread into the chest wall muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus or other organs in the chest on the same side as primary with or without having spread to lymph nodes on same side.
  • Stage IV – Mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite that of the primary tumor or directly extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or into the peritoneum or in the abdominal cavity and organs.

Another recently developed system is the Brigham System. The stages for this system are based on the ability to surgically remove the tumor and the involvement of the lymph nodes. There are four stages.

  • Stage I – mesothelioma is able to be removed and there is no lymph node involvement.
  • Stage II – mesothelioma can be surgically removed but with lymph node involvement.
  • Stage III – presence of mesothelioma that can’t be surgically removed extending into the chest wall, heart, or through the diaphragm or peritoneum. At this point, it doesn’t matter if there is extra-thoracic lymph node involvement.
  • Stage IV – cancer is widespread throughout the body.
First Name:
Last Name:
Email:
Telephone:
Address:
City:
State:
Zipcode:
Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with Mesothelioma?
Yes No
News:
Thank you for visiting this website which is created for the benefit of the general public. This website and its content are produced and sponsored by the law firm of James F. Early, LLC (James F. Early, Esq.). All of the information is intended as a resource available at no cost to people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their loved ones. Nonetheless, it may be considered attorney advertising. The content contained herein was not prepared by medical professionals and it is not intended, nor should it be considered, as a substitute for medical advice. The information provided on this website is intended as educational material, designed solely to support, and not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her healthcare professional. Additionally, neither visiting this website nor viewing its content is intended, and shall not be considered, to create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship can only be created by mutual agreement and consent of the prospective client and the attorney. Neither the transmission nor receipt of this website material creates an attorney-client relationship between sender and receiver. The material contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to your particular factual or legal circumstances. Online readers should not act on this information without seeking professional counsel and advice. All information on this website is provided as a resource for the convenience and benefit of visitors to this website and their families. No affiliation with or endorsement of: (1) this website by the persons, facilities or organizations listed herein; OR (2) such persons, facilities or organizations by this website, is intended, nor should it be inferred. In all cases and without exception, such visitors and their families, for their own particular situation, must perform their own investigation of the suitability and appropriateness of any such person, facility or organization. Please read our disclaimer for more information.