Staging is a process of determining how far a cancer has spread. Malignant mesotheliomas are categorized utilizing the T (tumor) N (lymph nodes) M (metastasis) system of staging. Explain the T (tumor) portion of this staging system.
The T stage of malignant mesothelioma is categorized as follows:
T1: Mesothelioma involving either side of pleura lining of the thorax. The mesothelioma is confined to the pleura lining of the lung, and possibly a few additional spots.
T2: Mesothelioma involving either side of pleura lining of the thorax which has also spread from the pleura into the diaphragm, the outer lining of the lung, or the lung itself.
T3: Mesothelioma involving either side of pleura lining of the thorax which has also spread into the first layer of the thorax, the adipose layer of the mediastinum, any single location in the thoracic cavity, or the pericardium.
T4: Mesothelioma involving either side of pleura lining of the thorax which has also spread into the thoracic wall, any organ located within the mediastinum, the spine, through the diaphragm, crossed the pleura through to the other side of the thorax, through the pericardium, the heart, or the brachial plexus.