Stage II of the Butchart mesothelioma staging system is characterized by the presence of mesothelioma in the chest wall, in or adjacent to the heart or esophagus, in the pleura on the opposite side of the chest, and/or in the chest lymph nodes.
As damaged cells within the pleura become malignant (cancerous) and grow uncontrollably, they produce excess pleural fluid and tumors. The malignant cells comprising these tumors continue to divide, enlarging the tumor and releasing malignant cells into the bloodstream, lymph, and other tissues.
As the malignant cells spread, they take root in the chest wall, the pericardium (the lining of the protective sac surrounding the heart) the peritoneum (the abdominal cavity lining), in the lymph nodes, and in the pleura on the opposite side of the chest wall.
The spread and growth of malignant cells into adjacent tissues is the aspect of the disease that defines Butchart Stage II mesothelioma.
