Stages of Mesothelioma

Stages of Mesothelioma:

 The oldest staging system and the one most often used is the Butchart System which is based mainly on the extent of primary tumor mass and divides mesotheliomas into four stages. The more recent TNM system considers variables of tumor in mass and spread, lymph node involvement, and metastasis. The Brigham System is the latest system and stages mesothelioma according to resectability (the ability to surgically remove) and lymph node involvement.

Butchart System – extent of primary tumor mass

Stage I: Mesothelioma is present in the right or left pleura and may also involve the diaphragm on the same side.

Main types of Mesothelioma

Main types of Mesothelioma

There are 4 main types of mesotheliomas based on how the cells look under a microscope.

Epithelioid: This is the most common type. It tends to have a better outlook (prognosis) than the other types.
Sarcomatoid (fibrous): About 1 to 2 out of 10 mesotheliomas are of this type.
Mixed (biphasic): This type has features of the 2 types above. About 3 to 4 out of 10 mesotheliomas are the mixed type.
Desmoplastic: These are rare.
About 3 out of 4 mesotheliomas start in the chest cavity. These are called pleural mesotheliomas. Another 10%-20% begin in the abdomen (belly). These are called peritoneal mesotheliomas. Those starting around the heart are very rare. This cancer can also start in the tissue around the testicles, but this is also very rare.