Stages of malignant mesothelioma

After the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma should doobsledovatsya to determine the prevalence of stages of the process.

The procedure for clarifying the extent of the process in the esophagus and other organs and tissues is called staging. Based on the data staging sets the stage of the disease, which affects the choice of treatment plan. In staging the disease can apply such methods of diagnosis:

• Radiological examination: X-ray examination of organs and bones of the chest cavity X-rays - a stream of high-frequency radiation. With the passage of these rays through the human body on a special film is the appropriate image of internal organs and tissues.
• CT scan: perform a series of detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues of the body at different angles. Images are displayed on a computer connected to the X-ray machine. It is also possible intravenous contrast material or taking it inside to enhance image clarity tissues. This procedure is called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): this method of study is based on radio magnetic radiation, through which are a series of images of the bone marrow. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUZD): introduction of an endoscope into the body through the mouth or through the rectum. Endoscope - a thin instrument, resembling a pipe with a flashlight and a special lens for the review. Sensor at the end of the endoscope takes reflected from the internal organs and tissues of high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) and transmits the echo signal. Echoes create a picture of tissues and organs of the body, called sonograms. This procedure is also called endosonography. EUZD can be used for fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung, lymph nodes or other lesions.

Endoscopic fine-needle aspiration biopsy controlled by ultrasound. Endoscope with an ultrasonic probe and biopsy needle is introduced into the mouth and esophagus. The probe emits sound waves that are reflected from tissues and organs, creating an echo, which forms a sonogram (computer picture) of the lymph nodes near the esophagus. Sonograms helps your doctor correctly set the needle for collecting cells or tissue lymph node. The resulting material is exploring under a microscope for signs of cancer.

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There are three pathways for the spread of tumor throughout the body. These include:

• Germination in other tissues. Malignant neoplasm sprouts surrounding healthy tissue.
• The lymphatic system (lymphogenous way). Tumor cells penetrate the lymphatic system and lymphatic vessels can get into other organs and human tissue.
• Since the flow of blood (haematogenously). Malignant cells penetrate into the veins and capillaries and blood are carried to other organs and tissues.

When the tumor cells with blood or lymph are spread throughout the body may form another (secondary) tumor. This process is called metastasis. Primary tumor and secondary (metastatic) tumors belong to the same type of cancer. For example, if breast cancer spread to the bone, the tumor cells found in the bones - a malignant breast cancer cells. And tumors in the bone to metastatic breast cancer, not bone cancer.

Depending on the stage, malignant mesothelioma can be divided into two groups:

• Malignant mesothelioma can be localized or widespread.
• Localized malignant mesothelioma (stage I)

In localized malignant mesothelioma cells are located only in the inner layer of the chest wall, as well as in the tissues covering the lungs, diaphragm and in the bag, covering the heart, on the same side chest cavity. Common mesothelioma (stage II, stage III, stage IV) By common mesothelioma include stage II, stage III, stage IV.

• In stage II malignant cells are located in the inner layer of the chest wall and lymph nodes from the same side. Tumor cells are also defined in the layer lining the lungs, diaphragm and the sac covering the heart.

• In stage III tumor also extends to:

1. Chest wall.
2. Mediastinum.
3. Heart.
4. For the diaphragm.
5. Peritoneum.

Malignant process can also infect the lymph nodes on the other hand chest cavity and outside. In stage IV cancer spread to distant organs and tissues.

Relapse of malignant mesothelioma - a recurrence of the disease after treatment. Malignant neoplasm may recur in the pleural cavity or in the new location.