Stage I Mesothelioma Treatment

After a mesothelioma diagnosis, further testing is required to determine the stage of the cancer. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, different methods of testing may be used. Diagnostic tools assess whether the cancer is in Stage I, Stage II, Stage III or Stage IV.
The most common staging tools are x-rays, computed tomography scan (CT) or a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI).
In cases of pleural mesothelioma, bronchoscopy allows oncologists to have a visual image of the airways and bronchi, to help determine the stage that the cancer has advanced to.
There are three mesothelioma staging systems typically used by physicians: TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors, Butchart Staging System and the Brigham Staging System.
TNM is the most common grading system for all types of mesothelioma in which “T” refers to the size of the tumor; “N” if the lymph nodes are involved; and “M” whether the has cancer metastasized to other organs.
The Butchart Staging System, used mainly for pleural mesothelioma, determines the size and metastases of the mesothelioma.
Staging designation within the Brigham Staging System is based on whether or not the mesothelioma is operable and whether the lymphatic system is involved.

What is Stage I Mesothelioma?

Within the range of progressive staging metrics, Stage I Mesothelioma is the most treatable form of the disease. Stage I mesothelioma is an extremely rare diagnosis, however, as symptoms do not usually present until after the disease has progressed to advanced stages.
Stage I mesothelioma is classified in cases where the cancer is localized to a specific region – lungs, heart or abdomen – and has not yet metastasized to other organs or reached the lymphatic system.
With pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma, the cancer has yet to breach the lining of the heart or abdomen.
Stage I Mesothelioma is typically operable and treatable with chemotherapy or radiation but as mentioned earlier, is rare.

What are the Common Treatments for Stage I Mesothelioma?

The range of Mesothelioma treatment options available for Stage I patients is the broadest available because, at this stage, the cancer is still localized. Conventional treatments and / or participation in clinical trials are most often recommended for patients presenting with early stages of mesothelioma.

Surgery

For Stage I Mesothelioma, surgery is the first treatment option explored, and in most cases, it is usually the best option. Surgery removes the affected lining around the lungs, heart or abdomen.

Radiation Therapy

Typically used in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy, radiation is a common treatment method for Stage I Mesothelioma. Radiation therapy targets and controls the metastases of cancerous cells. By destroying cancerous cells, radiation therapy inhibits the spread of mesothelioma. Though there are some side effects associated with the treatment, like fatigue and joint pain, radiation therapy usually yields positive results for Stage I Mesothelioma.

Chemotherapy

Another common treatment option for Stage I Mesothelioma is chemotherapy. By administering high doses of specific medications, chemotherapy targets the cancerous cells and destroys them. With chemotherapy, however, the side effects of the treatment can be worse than the symptoms of the cancer itself.

Hyperthermia and Chemotherapy

Recent studies have shown that cancerous cells are more responsive to chemotherapy in cases of hyperthermia due to the increase of body temperature. Currently this treatment modality shows only a minimal impact on overall life expectancy and is still in its infancy.

Gene Therapy

A breakthrough in carcinoma treatment, gene therapy involves implantation of healthy genes that target cancerous cells. Though not commonly used for Stage I Mesothelioma, gene therapy is a growing treatment for several types of cancer, and is under going further research.

Immunotherapy

By “enhancing” the immune system’s ability to fight off disease, immunotherapy is showing some promise for treating Stage I Mesothelioma. Through intravenous immune-enhancing drugs, the immune system is “jump-started” to attack invading cancerous cells. Research for this type of treatment is still ongoing and results, thus far, are inconclusive as to whether immunotherapy is a viable option for Stage I Mesothelioma.

Clinical Trials

For some mesothelioma patients, taking part in a clinical trial may be the best option. Clinical trials often test treatment and drug options on mesothelioma patients that have already undergone vigorous scientific testing. Many clinical trials use a placebo as a control, and mesothelioma patients should consult with their doctor to understand the risks involved before entering any trial.