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Malignant Mesothelioma Overview
There are
different ways with different implications for malignant mesothelioma, which is
why today I want you to know and know what their characteristics. I hope you
can get the most out of this article.
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the thin tissue layer
that covers your internal organs, called the mesothelium. Physicians divide
malignant mesothelioma into types dependent on the area of the mesothelium
affected. The most common form of malignant mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma,
cancer of the pleura, the lining of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma, the
second most common form, is a cancer of the lining of the abdomen, and accounts
for between 10% and 20% of malignant mesothelioma diagnoses. In much rarer cases,
malignant mesothelioma can occur in the pericardium, the lining of the heart,
or the tunica vaginalis,the lining around the testicles.Malignant mesothelioma
is caused by exposure to asbestos. This form of cancer develops when asbestos fibers
are inhaled and lodge in the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium, causing
scarring and inflammation and,eventually, tumors.Not everyone who is exposed to
asbestos will develop malignant mesothelioma. Some individuals may have no
reaction to the toxic mineral at all, while others may develop less severe
asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis or pleural plaques.
Types of Malignant
Mesothelioma
Histologically, malignant mesothelioma is divided into three types:
epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic.These classifications pertain to the
shape and structure of the cancer cells. All are treated similarly, though some
are handled more aggressively than others as they offer a shorter lifespan. Each
case is considered individually. Your doctor will decide which treatment is
best for you.
Malignant Mesothelioma — Epithelioid
In terms of cellular histology, there are three different types of mesothelioma
cells: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the
most common of the three types of malignant mesothelioma, occurring in between
50% and 70% of cases.
Epithelioid mesothelioma cells are given this name because, when viewed
under a microscope, they have the appearance of epithelial cells. These are
cells that line structures and cavities located throughout the body.
Mesothelial cells are themselves a type of epithelial cell, and it is
these cells that become cancerous when malignant mesothelioma develops within
the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium. Epithelioid mesothelioma cells tend to
have a well-defined, uniform shape when viewed under a microscope. An important
point to note is that malignant epithelioid mesothelioma cells very closely
resemble cells of another type of cancer known as adenocarcinoma, which can
develop in the lungs or in other vital organs. Thistype of cancer also
originates in epithelial tissue. When adenocarcinoma develops in the lungs, it
can often spread to the mesothelial lining of the lungs (the pleural membrane).For
these reasons, those diagnosed with adenocarcinoma who have been exposed to asbestos
in the past should seek a second opinion so as to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Prognosis and Treatment
Generally, each of the three types of mesothelioma — epithelioid,
sarcomatoid, and biphasic — are treated in much the same way since treatment is
based on the location and stage of the cancer, rather than the type of cells
involved.
However, there are distinct differences in the way each type of cancer
responds to treatment. In general, patients with malignant epithelioid mesothelioma
have a better prognosis than patients with either sarcomatoid or biphasic
mesothelioma, so treatment may not be as aggressive at the onset.
Malignant Mesothelioma — Sarcomatoid
In histological terms, there are three different types of mesothelioma:
sarcomatoid, epithelioid, and biphasic. Malignant sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the
least common of the three cellular mesothelioma types. This form of
mesothelioma accounts for between 10% and 15% of cases.
When viewed under a microscope, malignant sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells
appear as elongated, spindleshapedcells that are irregularly shaped and often
overlap one another.
It’s important to know that malignant sarcomatoid mesothelioma is
sometimes difficult to diagnose on the basis ofhistological methods. For
example, cells of another type of cancer called pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma
are very similar in appearance and its characteristics may be confused with
malignant sarcomatoid mesothelioma.For this reason, if you are diagnosed with
pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma but have been exposed toasbestos at some time
in the past, obtaining a second diagnostic opinion may be essential.
Misdiagnosis may result in improper treatment, which may affect the patient’s
lifespan.
Prognosis and Treatment
Each of the three types of mesothelioma — sarcomatoid, epithelioid, and
biphasic — are generally treated in the same way since treatment is not based
on the specific type of cells involved, but instead on the location of tumors
and the stage of the cancer.
In general, patients with malignant sarcomatoid mesothelioma have a
poorer prognosis than patients with epithelioid mesothelioma, because
sarcomatoid cancers are more aggressive and resistant to treatment; therefore,
a more aggressive treatment may be recommended in order to improve quality of
life and possibly add additional months to the patient’s survival time.
Malignant Mesothelioma — Biphasic
In histological terms, there are three different types of mesothelioma:
sarcomatoid, epithelioid, and biphasic.Malignant biphasic mesothelioma — or “mixed”
mesothelioma — accounts for between 20% and 40% of all mesothelioma cases,
making it the second most common type of mesothelioma.
Biphasic mesothelioma tumors are made up of a combination of both
epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. These are typically arranged in groups
within a tumor, rather than appearing as an even mixture of cells. For this reason,
during diagnosis, several different samples are taken from different locations
within a tumor using a biopsy, to ensure that a correct diagnosis can be made,
as this cancer does not have a unique cellular structure.
Prognosis and Treatment
Treatment for mesothelioma is not based on the type of cells involved,
but instead on the location of tumors and the stage of the cancer. While cell
type does not determine treatment options, each type of cancer responds to
treatment in different ways.
In general, patients with biphasic mesothelioma have a poorer prognosis
than patients with epithelioid orsarcomatoid mesothelioma, because biphasic tumors
tend to be more treatment resistant. Because of this,biphasic malignant
mesothelioma is often treated more aggressively in hopes of extending the life
of the patient.
I hope this article will be useful and wish you a happy day
God bless you
JOHNY JARAMILLO
