Oncologists currently use three different mesothelioma-staging systems to diagnose and treat pleural mesothelioma. Each system measures different variables including the extent of the cancer, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.
Butchart System
The Butchart System is the oldest and most commonly used mesothelioma cancer staging system and is primarily based on the extent of the tumor mass.
Stage I – Mesothelioma is seen in the right or left side of the chest area, or pleura cavity, and may also be found in the diaphragm.
Stage II – Mesothelioma has invaded the chest lining and reaches the esophagus, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes may also be affected.
Stage III – Mesothelioma has passed the diaphragm and entered the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes beyond the chest may also be affected.
Stage IV – Mesothelioma has spread through the bloodstream to other organs.
TNM System
The TNM System is a more recent system used to stage mesothelioma by considering variables such as the tumor size and spread, lymph node involvement, and metastasis (hence TNM).
Stage I – Mesothelioma is in the right or left chest cavity and may have spread to the pericardium, diaphragm, or lung on the same side. Lymph nodes are not affected.
Stage II – Mesothelioma has spread from one side of the chest to a lymph node near the lung on the same side. The disease may have also spread to the lung, diaphragm, or pericardium on the same side.
Stage III – Mesothelioma has entered the chest wall, muscle, heart, esophagus, ribs, and vital organs in the pleural cavity on the same side. Lymph nodes may or may not be affected on the side of the tumor.
Stage IV – Mesothelioma has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest area on the other side of the tumor, or has spread to the pleural cavity or lung on the other side, or has reached organs in the abdominal area or neck. Any metastasis is involved in the fourth stage.
Brigham System
This is the latest mesothelioma cancer staging system and is based on tumor resectability (ability to surgically remove) and the status of lymph nodes.
Stage I – Mesothelioma is resectable and lymph nodes are not involved.
Stage II – Mesothelioma is resectable, but lymph nodes are involved.
Stage III – Mesothelioma is unresectable and has spread to the chest wall, diaphragm, heart, or abdominal area. Lymph nodes may or may not be involved.
Stage IV – Distant metastatic mesothelioma cancer.
If you or a loved one is currently suffering from one of the stages of mesothelioma cancer, please contact the experienced, compassionate Baltimore mesothelioma lawyers at Brown | Kiely, LLP today to schedule a no-cost consultation.
