In satipatthana, how does mindfulness lead to nirodha? What is the difference between "cessation" and "nirodha"? How would it be experienced during meditation?
The between cessation and nirodha is "cessation" is an English word and "nirodha" is a Pali word that often does not literally mean "cessation" although often it does.   

In meditation, the important "cessations" to be experienced are: 


Cessation of craving.
Cessation of attachment. 
Cessation of I-making &amp; my-making. 
Cessation of suffering. 
Cessation of ignorance. 
Cessation of ego-birthing, ego-aging &amp; ego-dying. 


In summary, all of the above "cessations" amount to the cessation of suffering (dukkha-nirodha). 

Therefore, often, when the Pali teachings refer to "consciousness-nirodha"; "nama-rupa-nirodha"; "sense-contact-nirodha" and "feeling-nirodha"; what this means is consciousness, nama-rupa (mind-body), sense contact &amp; feeling are no longer imprisoned by ignorance, craving, egoism &amp; suffering.