There are four primary stages of mesothelioma doctors use to identify the seriousness of a mesothelioma diagnosis, labeled stage I, II, III or IV. The lower the number, the more treatment options you have, and the better your chances are for long-term survival. Karen Selby, Patient Advocate
Patient Advocate Karen Selby talks about the differences found among the stages of mesothelioma.
Staging is an accepted way for cancer doctors to describe to patients – and to one another – how advanced the disease is, how prevalent tumors are and how far the cancer has spread. Given the aggressive nature of the cancer, mesothelioma staging is a key part of proper diagnosis and treatment.
Why is mesothelioma staging important? Because knowing where a cancer is in its development sets the table for treatment, which treatment options are available and which are not. Doctors determine if someone can have surgery and, if so, what kind.
