Types of mesothelioma cells

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that is almost always the result of exposure to asbestos. A person has been exposed to asbestos, its chances of developing this dangerous disease. Once you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis, doctors will attempt to identify the cell type so that they can better estimate your life expectancy as well as designing the best plan of treatment for you.

Mesothelioma attacks the special cells lining cavities and organs in your body, called the mesothelium. In General, this cancer is categorized based on the location of the initial tumor growth. For example, if your cancer starts in the abdomen, it is called Peritoneal Mesothelioma. However, physicians will also attempt to identify the cell type present in your tumor.

Mesothelioma cells come in two different forms, epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cells represent 50-70% of mesothelioma cases, and they are generally more easily treated as sarcomatoid. Under the microscope they appear cubic or tubular in shape with a distinct nucleus. However, sarcomatoid cells are less uniform with a less distinct core. They are more fibrous, and they tend to appear in the oval shapes or spindle.

Interestingly, epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells are easily confused with other types of cancer. Therefore, it may be difficult for a physician to determine if you have Mesothelioma or a type of cancer called Carcinoma, sarcomatoid, mesothelioma epithelioid not adenocarcinoma or sarcoma.

This last type of mesothelioma is called biphasic. In fact, is not its own type of cell, but in reality a mixture of the other two. These tumors will be mixed pieces of either epithelioid or sarcomatoid cells. While biphasic tumors are easier to identify as mesothelioma strictly one or the other, it's actually form the most deadly cancer.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, regardless of the type, it is naturally a source of confusion and difficult period. For more information about this form of cancer, its treatment and asbestos, please visit the mesothelioma & asbestos Help Center today.

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Posted in: Mesothelioma,Types