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Posted on Monday, Jan 11, 2010

Explanation of Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a serious cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to airborne asbestos fibers. Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can create a risk for contracting mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed 30 years or more after exposure. The latency period can be as long as 50 years.

The form of mesothelioma for which a patient is diagnosed is identified according to the body organ in which the tumor begins, known as its origin site. When mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs it is known as pleural mesothelioma; when the lining of the abdomen is impacted it results in peritoneal mesothelioma. In rare instances, the lining of the heart can be affected resulting in pericardial mesothelioma.

Besides the location in which the tumors form, the other identifying factor in the diagnosis of mesothelioma is the histological subtype of the cancer. In terms of the histology of cells, there are three main types of mesothelioma:

Epithelial type. The epithelial type accounts for 50% to 70% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma. It is the most common and treatable histological subtype of mesotheliomas. Patients with this diagnosis have the best chance of recovery due to its slower growth and ability to respond to treatment.

Sarcoma type. The sarcoma type accounts for 7% to 20% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma and is the least common. Additionally, sarcoma mesothelioma has the worst prognosis, because it does not respond nearly as well to treatment as do the other two histological types.

Mixed or Biphasic type. The mixed type accounts for 20% to 35% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma. Biphasic describes a condition in which mesothelioma is comprised of both epitheloid and sarcomatoid cancer cells.

Each of the three cellular forms of mesothelioma are often treated in the same way. The medical team will determine the treatment of mesothelioma depending on the size and location of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, and the patient’s overall health. For mesothelioma, the three primary types of treatment are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Sources:
Cancer.net
MesotheliomaHelp.net