What Are the 3 Main Cellular Types of Mesothelioma?

 Abnormal, cancerous cells are formed make up the tumor. There are three main types of abnormal cancerous cells seen in this type of cancer and they have different prognostic features. These three different types of cells are: a}sarcomatoid b}epitheloid c}biphasic

Sarcomatoid cell type

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the deadliest cell type of this cancer, it does not respond well to treatment. It accounts for 10-20% of all mesothelioma cases.Microscopically it appears like a spindle shaped cells that are overlapping . The lifespan of patients diagnosed with this type of the cancer typically does not extend beyond 6 months.

Epithelioid cell type

The most common form of this cancer is the Epithelioid mesothelioma. This type has the best prognosis and is the most responsive to therapy.Microscopically this type appears like a papillary or tubular growth. This type accounts for 50-70% of all mesothelioma cases.

Biphasic cell type

Biphasic mesothelioma is a combination of the other two types. It combines the characteristics of both the sarcomatoid and the epitheliod types, it is not as deadly as the sarcomatoid but its prognosis is not as good as the epitheliod type. It accounts for about 20-35% of all mesothelioma cases.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with this disease you must try and carry out the necessary tests that will help you to know the cellular type of the cancer that you have so you can have an idea about the likely prognosis and outcome of the disease.