Three Types of Malignant Mesothelioma Cells

Epithelioid Mesothelioma Cancer

The following are the three types of mesothelioma cancer cells:

• Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cancer
• Epithelioid mesothelioma cancer
• Biphasic mesothelioma cancer

The most common and relatively treatable form of mesothelioma cancer is Epithelioid mesothelioma.  Approximately 50% to 70% of mesothelioma patients have this form of the disease. To determine a mesothelioma type, a doctor will perform a biopsy.

The individual cells each have a distinctive pattern. Under high magnification, they are relatively uniform in shape with a tubular pattern and a distinct cell nucleus. Other cancers have a similar form, so if they develop in the mesothelium they may be confused with epithelioid mesothelioma. For example, adenocarcinoma, which begins in the glandular tissue, is often mistaken for epithelioid mesothelioma. Adenocarcinoma often introduces itself as a benign tumor that becomes malignant over time. 

Both adenocarcinoma and epithelioid mesothelioma are rooted in the epithelial tissue and have a similar cell structure. A chemical stain of the tissue may help determine which disease is present. However, some chemical tests yield similar results.

Family history can also help determine whether the patient has adenocarcinoma or epithelioid mesothelioma. If the patient has a family history of carcinoma, they may be suffering from adenocarcinoma. If the patient was exposed to asbestos, they may have developed epithelioid mesothelioma. 

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