Epithelioid Mesothelioma
The most common and treatable histological subtype of
mesothelioma is
epithelioid mesothelioma, which
is diagnosed in more than half of all
mesothelioma diagnoses.
This subtype of the disease affects epithelial cells, which
are found in the epithelium—a tissue lining found throughout
the human body in areas that act as a barrier or separation
between different body environments.
The skin is such an example. Skin helps to separate the
body’s exterior from its interior, and epithelial cells can
be found within skin tissue. Epithelial cells perform
different functions according to their location within the
body, including protection, absorption, filtration,
excretion, secretion and sensory reception. When viewed
under a microscope, epithelial cells have a distinct cube
shape and a visible nucleus.
Epithelioid mesothelioma seems to respond more favorably to
treatment than the other two histological subtypes. Because
of this, cases of biphasic mesothelioma and
sarcomatoid mesothelioma are generally associated with a worse
prognosis
than is epithelioid mesothelioma. However,
the actual courses of treatment are often similar among all three
versions. It’s important to receive an accurate histological diagnosis so
that doctors can prescribe the most effective treatment
plan.
Related Information: Histological Subtypes of Mesothelioma
Related Information: Forms of Mesothelioma
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