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MESOTHELIOMA — TYPES and STAGES

Types of Mesothelioma

There are generally three types of mesothelioma, or three places where the disease can occur. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type, is a cancer of the lining of the lung (the pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma, the second most common type, grows in the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum). Pericardial mesothelioma, which is very rare, is a cancer of the lining surrounding the heart. In exceedingly rare cases, mesothelioma can sometimes develop in the reproductive organs.

Mesothelioma is further classified according to cell-type or sub-type, determined by the appearance of the cellular structure of the tumor under the microscope. Epithelioid type is the most common, and is considered the more treatable and least aggressive. Sarcomatoid type is generally more aggressive and less common. The mesothelioma tumor can also be classified as biphasic, or mixed-cell type, which exhibits a combination of the characteristics of the two cellular types.

Stages of Mesothelioma

Like other types of cancer, mesothelioma is sometimes staged to classify the progression of the disease. Mesothelioma tumors, however, tend to grow and spread differently than other tumors. Rather than forming a lump, mesothelioma typically spreads diffusely, growing along the pleura or peritoneum. Eventually, the tumor hardens and thickens and can interfere with normal breathing. Mesothelioma does not usually spread or metastasize widely to organs in other parts of the body, but instead usually involves the lungs and diaphragm.

Stage I Mesothelioma is when the disease is detected early, and there has been only limited growth along the pleura on one side of the chest. At this point, mesothelioma is considered potentially curable and an attempt can be made to surgically remove the entire tumor. When the tumor spreads to the other side of the chest or into surrounding organs, it is considered to be in the later stages. Treatment can be more difficult at that point. Click here to read about mesothelioma treatment options.