Specific Mesothelioma Stages

Mesothelioma stages are classified as localized, advanced, or recurrent.

Localized Mesothelioma (Stage I)
In localized malignant mesothelioma, cancer is found in the lining of the chest wall and may also be found in the lining of the lung, the lining of the diaphragm, or the lining of the sac that covers the heart on the same side of the chest.

Advanced Mesothelioma (Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV)
Advanced mesothelioma includes stage II, stage III, and stage IV.

In stage II, cancer is found in the lining of the chest wall and the lymph nodes on the same side of the chest. Cancer may also be found in the lining of the lung, the lining of the diaphragm, or the lining of the sac that covers the heart on the same side of the chest.

In stage III, cancer has spread to any of the following areas:

The chest wall
The mediastinum
The heart
Beyond the diaphragm
The peritoneum.

Cancer may have also spread to lymph nodes on the other side of the chest or outside the chest.

In stage IV, cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues.

Recurrent Mesothelioma
Recurrent mesothelioma is cancer that has recurred (come back) after it has been treated. The cancer may come back in the chest or abdomen, or in other parts of the body.