Pleural Mesothelioma: Its 4 stages

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the pleura, the thin layer of tissue surrounding the lungs.

Staging is a way of describing the extent or severity of cancer based on the size of the tumour, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and if it has spread to other parts of the body. The staging system commonly used for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM system.
TNM Staging System for Pleural Mesothelioma:

T (Tumor):
TX: Primary tumour cannot be assessed.
T0: No evidence of a primary tumour.
T1: Tumor is limited to the ipsilateral (same side) parietal pleura.
T2: The tumour involves the ipsilateral parietal pleura and extends into at least one of the following: diaphragm, lung, or visceral pleura, or the tumour is associated with the presence of the tumour in the diaphragm muscle.

N (Node):
NX: Regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed.
N0: No regional lymph node metastasis.
N1: Metastasis in ipsilateral bronchopulmonary or hilar lymph nodes.
N2: Metastasis in the subcarinal or the ipsilateral mediastinal lymph nodes, including the internal mammary nodes.

M (Metastasis):
MX: Distant metastasis cannot be assessed.
M0: No distant metastasis.
M1: Distant metastasis present.

Stages of Pleural Mesothelioma:

The TNM information is then combined to assign an overall stage. The stages are typically grouped into four main categories:

Stage I: T1 N0 M0
The tumour is limited to the ipsilateral parietal pleura, and there is no involvement of lymph nodes or distant metastasis.

Stage II: T2 N0 M0
The tumour involves the ipsilateral parietal pleura and may extend into adjacent structures like the diaphragm, lung, or visceral pleura. However, there is no lymph node involvement or distant metastasis.

Stage III: T1 or T2 N1 M0 or T3 N0 or N1 M0
The tumour may have spread into nearby lymph nodes (N1) or extended further into adjacent structures. There is no distant metastasis.

Stage IV: T4 any N M0 or any T any N M1
This stage indicates that the tumour has spread extensively, either invading nearby organs (T4) or involving distant organs or tissues (M1).

Staging helps guide treatment decisions and provides information about the prognosis. It’s important to note that each case is unique, and the treatment plan is often tailored to the individual patient’s specific circumstances. Additionally, advancements in research and treatment may impact staging and management strategies over time.

Patients with pleural mesothelioma should consult with their healthcare team for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their specific situation. It’s important to note that pleural mesothelioma is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.

The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the disease, the overall health of the patient, and other individual factors. Patients with pleural mesothelioma should consult with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including oncologists and surgeons, to develop an appropriate treatment plan.