Mesothelioma Stage IV

The final stage of mesothelioma cancer is termed as Stage 4 mesothelioma; it is considered most advanced as by now it has metastasized to a number of locations such as the brain, the entire abdomen, and other organs of the abdominal and chest cavity that are far from the primary tumor site. For this reason, it may also be referred to as "distant metastatic cancer."

Stage 4 Mesothelioma Symptoms

The Butchart System describes stage 4 as the condition in which the cancer has entered the bloodstream and spread to organs and tissues that are distant from the primary tumor site. While there is no pattern to the spread, once the brain and other vital organs are covered by the disease, it is said to be the final stage of the malignancy.

Mesothelioma Stage IV Treatments

Stage 4 mesothelioma treatments available to patients are only symptomatic and palliative. Surgical removal of a tumor is only considered if it is expected to relieve the patient of any great, unbearable discomfort. The patient should also have the strength and vitality to withstand the surgery which is generally not found in stage 4 patients.

Non-surgical palliative treatments available to stage 4 patients to relieve symptoms of the disease may include procedures such as thoracentesis or paracentesis, where built-up fluid is removed from the lungs or abdomen to relieve pain and pressure on internal organs. Mesothelioma chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be used to shrink tumors to provide relief from symptoms. Because these treatments often carry serious side effects, doctors may advise patients to carefully consider whether or not they wish to endure such treatments at this final stage.

Mesothelioma Stage 4 Prognosis

Since the last of the mesothelioma stages refers to spread of cancer to multiple locations, the prognosis is generally very poor. Individuals however, differ in their responses to diseases; so a generalized prediction is not possible with regard to expected length of life at this stage. The suffering is generally very intense and unbearable.

Mesothelioma Stage 4 Life Expectancy

In the final stage of mesothelioma, all that may be available to the patient is to receive support from family members and caregivers. This is a critical factor and may go a long way in helping with the end. Stage 4 is experienced differently by each mesothelioma patient, so knowing about support groups and other resources can be beneficial for both the patient and their family.