Staging is the doctor's way to determine the degree of the cancer according to the tumor's size, involvement of lymph node and if the disease has affected other body organs. A patient's life expectancy is dependent on a number of factors but the stage of the disease upon diagnosis has a huge part in his life expectancy.

There are various staging systems that doctors employ, each unique but have many similar features. The most popular are the TNM, Butchart and Brigham systems.

Stage 1

For pleural mesothelioma, stage 1 has generally affected the only the chest area or one side of the lungs and it has not spread yet. Most systems note that in this particular stage, no lymph node is involved. If the disease were detected in Stage 1, there would have a good chance for patient survival, however, this is very rare. The disease has usually progressed to advanced stages when it is discovered because of its long latency period.

At this stage, there is a very good prognosis; patients are recommended for removal of tumors through surgery. Though it seldom happens, victims may be candidates for full recovery.

Stage 2

In some staging systems, Stage 2 is already considered as "advanced stage" which means that the disease has gone beyond its point of origin, for instance, from the pleura, it moved to the lung or diaphragm on same side. There may be lymph node involvement and presents a potential for the spread to other body parts.

Some systems of staging still consider Stage 2 as resectable and surgery may be an option. However for some systems, this point is no longer operable. But generally, chemotherapy and radiation are recommended.

If the tumors cannot be surgically removed and lymph nodes are involved, life expectancy has decreased at this point. But treatments and drugs like Alimta may add several months up to a little more than a year.

Stage 3

This stage is where most of the mesothelioma cases are diagnosed; symptoms are usually very apparent. At this point, the tumor has likely spread lymph nodes nearest the primary location and to other organs in close proximity.

This stage is considered as far too advanced for any curative surgery. Most treatments will be employed to shrink the tumors or for patient's relief from painful symptoms of the disease. Life expectancy during Stage 3 is probably less than a year and so the main concern is to keep the patient comfortable and pain-free.

Stage 4

This is the most advanced stage of the disease where the tumor has metastasized to farther locations throughout the patient's body, even the brain. At this stage, the victim may already be in severe pain and in generally poor health, making treatments more difficult.

Relieving symptoms through palliative means are the methods applied to patients of Stage 4. Chemotherapy may be employed but most patients at this point opt not to undergo this treatment due to the severe side effects.

For Stage 4, life expectancy is only months or even weeks. Patient hospice care is very much recommended on a constant basis as it may be difficult for loved ones and family members.