Essential Questions to ask if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma ***IMPORTANT***

Mesothelioma Cell Types Overview

Posted on: January 16, 2024

In the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma, identifying the specific cell type of the tumor is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment plan. There are three primary cell types associated with mesothelioma:

  1. Epithelial (or Epithelioid) Cells: These cells are the most common in mesothelioma cases. They are generally characterized by a high number of epithelial cells. Tumors with this cell type tend to respond better to treatments compared to other types. The favorable response is partly due to the distinct characteristics of epithelial cells, which make them more amenable to various therapies.
  2. Sarcomatoid Cells: This cell type is the least common in mesothelioma but is known for being particularly aggressive and difficult to treat. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is more common in pleural cases (mesothelioma of the lining of the lungs). The challenging nature of treating this type stems from its aggressive behavior and tendency to spread more rapidly than other types.
  3. Biphasic (or Mixed) Cells: This type of mesothelioma contains a mix of both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. The response to treatment in biphasic mesothelioma largely depends on the ratio of these cell types. If the tumor has more epithelioid cells, it may respond more favorably to treatment, similar to purely epithelioid mesothelioma. Conversely, a higher proportion of sarcomatoid cells could indicate a more aggressive tumor and a less favorable response to treatment.

A biopsy is typically conducted to determine the cell type of a mesothelioma tumor. This procedure involves taking a sample of tumor tissue, which is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist. The identification of the cell type guides oncologists in formulating a treatment plan that is most suitable for the specific characteristics of the mesothelioma. Each cell type has unique properties that influence how the cancer behaves and how it might respond to different treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgical interventions.