Stages of Mesothelioma - Butchart system
Mesotheliomia is often staged to determine its severity. Based on the stage, the treatment options are decided upon. The staging scale is also decided based on the type of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma has three standard staging systems accepted worldwide(each of these three systems inturn have their own scale of measurement). Peritoneal mesothelioma does not have any globally accepted staging systems.
The most primitive staging system is the one that is most frequently used. Its called the Butchart System. This system is based on the extent of primary tumor mass and divides mesotheliomas into four stages.
* Stage 1: In this stage of the ButChart System, mesothelioma is present in the right or left pleura and may also involve the diaphragm on the same side.
* Stage 2: In this stage of the ButChart System, mesothelioma invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.
* Stage 3: In this stage of the ButChart System, mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may also be involved.
* Stage 4: In this stage of the ButChart System, there is evidence of metastasis or spread through the bloodstream to other organs.