Mesothelioma Disease Timeline

The mesothelioma disease timeline progresses in stages, much like many other forms of cancer. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, after further test are performed, a physician can determine what stage of the disease you have reached. Your current place on the mesothelioma disease timeline depends on how far the disease has spread. A physician determines your current mesothelioma stage in order to determine the best treatment plan. A physician will used the help of x-rays, CT scans, and/or MRIs to evaluate what is the stage of the mesothelioma.

Butchart Staging System

One of the most widely-used staging systems is the Butchart Staging System. This system includes four stages.

Stage I - The mesothelioma occurs in the left or right side membrane that lines the lungs. This may include the presence of mesothelioma in the membrane sac that covers the heart, the lung, or the diaphragm on the same side.

Stage II - The mesothelioma has spread to other areas, e.g. the chest wall, esophagus, heart or pleura.

Stage III - The mesothelioma has broken into the diaphragm to the lining of the abdomen.

Stage IV - The cancerous cells have entered the bloodstream, allowing the spread of the disease to other organs.

TNM Staging System

The TNM Staging System uses the same criteria as the systems used to determine the stages of other cancers. The TNM acronym refers to the tumor or “T,” and its size and degree of spreading towards nearby organs, the node or “N,” which means the affect to the lymph nodes, and the metastasis or “M,” which measures the tumor/s spread to organs in other parts of the body. This system also has four stages and is similar to the Butchart staging system.

It does not matter where you are on the mesothelioma disease timeline in regards to the emotional effect it will have on patients when they hear the news. To be diagnosed with mesothelioma can be devastating. In this time of sadness, you need to be able to dedicate your energy towards your health.