Stages of Mesothelioma - TNM system

      Another system TNM system considers variables of tumor in mass and spread, lymph node involvement, and metastasis. The different stages of this system are as follows:

• Stage I: In this stage of the TNM System, mesothelioma involves right or left pleura and may also have spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not involved.
• Stage II: In this stage of the TNM System, mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
• Stage III: In this stage of the TNM System, mesothelioma is now in the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side with or without spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.
• Stage IV: In this stage of the TNM System, mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, or extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastases is included in this stage.