Types of Mesothelioma Cells

Determining the types of mesothelioma cells plays an important part in the prognosis and treatment of a patient. Histology is a branch of biology and medicine which studies cells and tissues of animals and plants. Mesothelioma histology is the study of diseased cells, thus the study of mesothelioma cell types is called mesothelioma histopathology. This studies the nature, causes and effects of disease. With histology doctors can identify important features of cells that make up tumors. The cell type of the mesothelioma tumors determines how aggressive treatment ought to be. This is done by way of removal and examining cells and/or fluids, through a biopsy.

Types of mesothelioma cells

There are three types of mesothelioma cells:

1. Epithelioid Mesothelioma

This is the most common type of mesothelioma cell. It accounts for 50-70% of all mesothelioma cases. Its name is derived from its cancerous mutation of epithelial cells. Out of all mesothelioma cell types, epithelioid is the most treatable. This is because it responds well to treatment. Patients have a high life expectancy if they have these cells.

2. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

This is the least common type of mesothelioma cell. It accounts for 10-15% of all mesothelioma cases. It’s make up resembles sarcoma-type cancers hence its name. These cells spread much quicker than the epithelioid cells. Thus resulting in shorter life expectancy and fewer treatment options.

3. Biphasic Mesothelioma

These cells are a combination of both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It accounts for about 30% of all mesothelioma cases. The behaviour is determined by which cell makes up most of the tumor. Where the epithelioid cells are the majority better life expectancy is the result. While a shorter life expectancy is the result where there are more sarcomatoid cells than epithelioid cells. Treatment and life expectancy varies depending on the ratio between the epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells.