Mesothelioma Stages

Once diagnosed with mesothelioma, the patient will be charted in what is called the Butchart System which identifies the various

Mesothelioma Stages

. This system was developed by Dr. Eric Buchart, an expert in mesothelioma. The Butchart system is still used by doctors in order to have a better way of communicating what stage the patient is in.

This system is based on measuring tumor size (mass) and divides mesothelioma stages into four progressive levels that indicate the advancement of the cancer are as follows:

Stage I -Mesothelioma is present on one side (either right or left) of the chest only. It is not growing into the chest wall.

Stage II- Mesothelioma invades the chest wall (usually both sides) or there is a presence in the esophagus (food passage that connects the throat to the stomach), heart, or the lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.

Stage III – Mesothelioma has grown through the diaphragm and has reached the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) or at this point has spread to lymph nodes outside of the chest.

Stage IV- Mesothelioma has spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. This stage is called “distant metastatic cancer”.

So that all the doctors are on the same page, this system is widely used in order to determine what the next steps are once the patients mesothelioma stage has been determined. There will be communication with other specialists to further discuss treatment. Once treatment options are discussed, there will an opportunity to find clinical trials that are going on based on what stage the patient is in. These trials are conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) so once the options are discussed, there will be a recommendation where to go from there and if the patient qualifies for one of their trials.