Mesothelioma cell type influences survival rates
Posted on: November 24, 2023 *Updated on: May 25, 2024Mesothelioma, a form of cancer primarily associated with asbestos exposure, is classified into three main cell types: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. Each of these types has distinct characteristics and implications for the patient’s prognosis and treatment options.
- Epithelioid Mesothelioma: This is the most common type, accounting for about 50-70% of cases. It has the best prognosis of all mesothelioma cell types. The cells are uniform in shape and resemble normal epithelial cells. Patients with epithelioid mesothelioma generally have a better response to treatment and a longer survival rate compared to other types.
- Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: This type is less common, making up about 10-20% of cases. It has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. The cells in sarcomatoid mesothelioma are elongated and spindle-shaped, resembling those found in sarcomas (a type of cancer that arises from transformed cells of mesenchymal origin). Treatment options are more limited, and the disease tends to be more aggressive.
- Biphasic Mesothelioma: Comprising about 20-40% of cases, biphasic mesothelioma contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. The prognosis and treatment options for biphasic mesothelioma depend on the ratio of these cell types. Generally, a higher proportion of epithelioid cells is associated with a better outcome, while a higher proportion of sarcomatoid cells indicates a more aggressive disease and a poorer prognosis.
The cell type of mesothelioma is determined through a biopsy and microscopic examination of the cancer cells. This classification is crucial as it significantly influences the approach to treatment and the overall survival rates of the patients. Treatment options for mesothelioma may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these, depending on the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and the specific cell type involved.