In patients with Brigham Stage III mesothelioma, the issue of resectability has become irrelevant, as no real chance of surgical extraction exists. Malignancy in Stage II is widespread, with lymph nodes around the body now showing significant amounts of malignant cell activity.
Brigham Stage III mesothelioma is characterized by:
- the spread of non-resectable (inoperable) tumors to the diaphragm, peritoneum, and other locations
- malignant tissue and/or tumors of the lymph nodes throughout the body
- encapsulated tumors in some organs
Prognosis for patients with Brigham Stage III mesothelioma is grim. Aggressive malignancy and the widespread presence of small, inoperable tumors with associated damage to tissue make most forms of therapy futile.
