The stages of mesothelioma have been documented by a few different methods.  The Butchart system is the oldest method which has been practice a long time, and the one most commonly used by doctors and specialists to diagnose and recognize the stage that malignant mesothelioma is in.  This system separates the disease into four stages:

Stage one — It has affected the right or left side of the chest cavity, and is visible in the diaphragm.

Stage two — It is found in the pleura on both sides of the body, may have also moved into the heart, stomach, or esophagus on both sides.  Another potentially affected area is the lymph nodes.

Stage three — It has reached the abdominal cavity. Past the chest, lymph nodes might be affected.

Stage four — It has reached other organs and entered the bloodstream.