Staging is the process used to determine whether cancer has spread, and if so, how far it has spread. There are five mesothelioma stages (stages I-IV and recurrent cancer). The stages of mesothelioma can be classified as localized, advanced, or recurrent. Stage I refers to localized mesothelioma (meaning the cancer has not yet spread to areas such as the lymph nodes). Advanced mesothelioma stages describe cancer that has spread, and include stages II, III, and IV. Recurrent mesothelioma is cancer that has recurred (come back) after it has been treated.

Mesothelioma Stages: An Introduction
After a mesothelioma diagnosis has been made, tests are conducted to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body.

The process used to find out if cancer has spread outside the pleura or peritoneum is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the spread of the cancer in order to plan the mesothelioma treatment.

Mesothelioma Stages: Tests and Procedures
The following tests and procedures may be used in the staging process:

* Chest x-ray
* CT scan
* MRI.

Chest X-ray
A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.

CT Scan (CAT Scan)
A CT scan is a procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of the chest and abdomen, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An MRI is a procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of the chest or abdomen. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).

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.