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The Stages Of Mesothelioma (Part 3 of 3)

By Thomas J. Lamb at AsbestosHUB.com | December 7, 2009

We reach our final part of this series on the stages of mesothelioma and the systems which are used to categorize them.  Previously we discussed the Butchart System and the TNM System.

Our final system is called the Brigham System.

Brigham System

The Brigham System looks at different variables such as the involvement of the lymph nodes and the surgical ability to remove a malignant mesothelioma tumor. It is not often used to stage mesothelioma; however, when used it divides malignant mesothelioma into four stages:

Stage 1
Malignant mesothelioma tumor is still resectable (able to be removed surgically) and the lymph nodes are not affected.
Stage 2
Malignant mesothelioma tumor is still resectable (able to be removed surgically) but the lymph nodes are now affected.
Stage 3
Malignant mesothelioma tumor is not resectable (able to be removed surgically) and the malignant mesothelioma has penetrated the heart, chest wall, abdominal cavity or diaphragm. Lymph nodes may or may not be affected.
Stage 4
Malignant mesothelioma tumor is not resectable (able to be removed surgically) and has completely metastasized (spread throughout the body).

 

For more information visit Asbestos-Mesothelioma.com and MedicineNet.com.

Topics: Facts, Medicine, Resources |

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