One of the more common systems for determining the stage of a patient's mesothelioma cancer is the TNM System, a relatively new system that is also known as the International Mesothelioma Interest Group staging system. The acronym of the system uses the first letter of each factor that is considered in order to stage the cancer.

T - refers to the tumor or primary mass;

N - refers to the presence or absence of mesothelioma tumors in the lymph nodes;

M - refers to the presence or absence of distant tumors, which is generally referred to as metastases.

As with most cancer staging systems, the TNM System uses four stages.

In Stage I, the masses are rigidly localized, having only grown in one layer of the pleura, or lungs. At this stage in development, the cancer may also have grown into the covering of the heart and the diaphragm on the same side.
In Stage II, the cancer has spread from the pleura to lymph nodes nearby the pleura on that side of the body. The cancer remains present on only side of the body.
In Stage III, the cancer may have spread into the lymph nodes, esophagus, muscle, ribs, heart, and the chest wall on the same side.
In Stage IV, the cancer has spread via the bloodstream to other regions of the body.

Sources:

Two must read books for anyone who has or who is caring for someone with mesothelioma.

Get a Free Copy of Lean on Me or 100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma.

Asbestos.com has experienced navy veterans on staff to assist veterans in answering questions about applying for asbestos-related VA Claims and other benefits.

*Asbestos.com is not affiliated with the
U.S. Department. of Veterans Affairs.

Naval Ships Index
Search through our extensive list of ships that used asbestos-containing products.
(e.g. USS Alabama BB 60)

Get matched with the top mesothelioma specialists in your area.

Learn what foods to eat, which to avoid, and the best supplements for the fight against cancer and chemotherapy recovery.

Pleural Mesothelioma May Have New Biomarker
09/01/2010 - In a recent article published in the online publication Modern Pathology, researchers may have found a new biomarker for malignant pleural mesotheliom..
Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos May be Banned in Taiwan
08/31/2010 - According to a news report, Taiwan's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has plans to phase out the use of asbestos within the next decade. Lin C..
Mesothelioma Risk in Schools Can Be Managed
08/30/2010 - Seven schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia built between 1956 and 1974 have been found to contain a small amount of asbestos in sealants applied to the..