Key Facts about Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
Posted on: December 27, 2023 *Updated on: May 27, 2024Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a particularly rare and aggressive form of mesothelioma, a cancer primarily linked to asbestos exposure. Here are some critical facts about this disease:
- Prevalence in Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is found in approximately 2% of peritoneal mesothelioma cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen and is less common than pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
- Annual Diagnosis Rate: Each year, between 300 and 600 new patients are diagnosed with sarcomatoid mesothelioma. This indicates its rarity compared to other cell types of mesothelioma.
- Predominance in Pleural Mesothelioma: In cases of pleural mesothelioma, which is the most common type of mesothelioma, sarcomatoid cells are present 98% of the time.
- Overall Proportion of Mesothelioma Cases: Sarcomatoid mesothelioma accounts for 10% to 20% of all mesothelioma cases.
- Cell Growth Locations: Sarcomatoid cells typically grow in connective tissues such as bones, nerves, and tendons.
- Comparison with Other Cell Types: It is the rarest of the three primary mesothelioma cell types. For context, about 60% of mesothelioma patients have the epithelial type, and 20% have the biphasic type, which includes both epithelial and sarcomatoid cells.
- Aggressiveness and Treatment Resistance: Sarcomatoid mesothelioma tumors are more likely to spread to new areas and are also more resistant to treatment compared to other mesothelioma cell types.
- Clinical Observations: Sarcomatoid mesothelioma tends to be more locally progressive compared to the epithelial type, highlighting its aggressive nature.
These facts underscore the seriousness of sarcomatoid mesothelioma and the challenges it presents in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.