Additional Information
Mesothelioma Cancer Cell Types
Malignant mesothelioma cancer is divided into one of three subtypes: epithelial mesothelioma, sarcomatoid mesothelioma or biphasic (mixed) mesothelioma.
Patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma receive a great deal of information regarding the different types of mesothelioma. When found in the lungs, the condition is known as pleural mesothelioma; in the heart it is identified as pericardial mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the stomach area. These three types of malignant mesothelioma are location-specific, but should not be confused with the identification of the different types of mesothelioma cancer cells--patients may be treated for more than one type of mesothelioma cell growth.
The three types of mesothelioma cells are sarcomatiod mesothelioma, epithelioid mesothelioma, and biphasic mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma cells are the most common, found in at least half of all cases of malignant mesothelioma. Detecting these cells is often difficult, because they can be mistaken for a different type of cancer called adenocarcinoma. To properly distinguish epithelioid mesothelioma cells from adenocarcinoma, they must be studied under a microscope, and their chemical makeup must be positively identified. That positive identification is key in preventing misdiagnosis and treatment for a condition other than mesotheioma.
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells are less common, occurring only in 20 to 40% of all cases. These cells must also be studied closely to avoid being misidentified as more common carcinomas. Sarcomatoid cells may be found in the type of malignant mesothelioma cells known as biphasic cells-- a combination of sarcomatoid and epithelioid cells. At one time, biphasic mesothelioma was found in 25% of all cases. Today that number is higher.
The location of the cancer may determine what specific mesothelioma treatment options are available, which is why some patients may require radiation therapy, a particular type of surgery or other options.
The primary concern for properly identifying the cancer is to avoid wasting time treating the wrong type of disease. Treatment depends on the nature of each individual case. There are many factors that affect treatment options including the state of a patient's overall health, medical history and other factors.
In the early days when the doctor is determining the exact mesothelioma diagnosis, patients may be preoccupied with the possible outcomes. Fear of the unknown in cancer cases is natural. The more informed a patient is about the diagnostic process, the better. Be sure to ask your doctor about the overall condition, how the process of narrowing down the specifics of mesothelioma works, and your available treatment options. Always ask more questions about any aspect of the process you don't understand, and request any literature available to help you gain a better understanding of mesothelioma.
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