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Mesothelioma Cell Types

There are different kinds of cells that make up mesothelioma tumors. The three main mesothelioma cells types are epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. Mesothelioma cell type is an important part of a diagnosis since it can affect your treatment options. Learn about the prognosis (health outlook) for each cell type and how Mesothelioma Hope can help you find treatment.

Medically reviewed by: Mark Levin, MD

Last updated:

What Are the Types of Mesothelioma Cancer Cells?

Cells in the mesothelium, which is the lining of important body parts like the abdomen, lungs, testicles, or heart, can turn into cancer cells if they are exposed to asbestos. These cancerous cells are known as malignant mesothelioma.

Here are the three main mesothelioma cell types:

  1. Epithelioid: The epithelioid cell type makes up more than 50% of mesothelioma cases, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Thankfully, it is also the easiest mesothelioma cell type to treat and has a better prognosis and survival rate than the other cell types.
  2. Sarcomatoid: These rare mesothelioma cells are recognized by their large size and spindle shape. Only 10-20% of patients have sarcomatoid tumors. It is the hardest type of mesothelioma cell to treat and has the poorest prognosis
  3. Biphasic: Biphasic tumors contain both the sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma cell types and account for 20-30% of cases. If a patient has more epithelial cells than sarcomatoid cells, their cancer will normally respond better to treatment.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma cell types by removing a small tissue sample from the affected area and examining it under a microscope. Each mesothelioma cell type responds differently to specific treatments, so correctly identifying the cell type is key to improving your mesothelioma prognosis.

Fortunately, Mesothelioma Hope has established relationships with top doctors nationwide who can properly diagnose and treat all three mesothelioma cell types. Find a specialist near you right now with our Free Doctor Match.

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Epithelioid Cells

An illustration of microscopic epithelioid mesothelioma cells
Illustration of epithelioid cells under a microscope

Epithelioid cells are the most common mesothelioma cell type. Epithelioid mesothelioma cells are characterized by a single nucleus, a rectangular shape, and slow growth. Oncologists (cancer doctors) also refer to this cell type as epithelial mesothelioma.

With epithelioid mesothelioma, the tumor cells tend to grow in a pattern of clusters or nests, which may appear as masses of cells when viewed under a microscope. The clumping together of cancer cells is a key feature of this cell type.

In addition, there are several subtypes of epithelioid mesothelioma, each with its own characteristics and level of aggressiveness. Knowing these differences helps mesothelioma doctors tailor the most effective treatment plan for each patient.

“Each cell type responds differently to treatment, which is why it’s important to know which type of cells have been detected at diagnosis.”
– Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Epithelioid Cell Prognosis

Patients diagnosed with epithelioid cell type usually have a more favorable mesothelioma prognosis.

The median overall prognosis for epithelioid mesothelioma is 12 to 26 months, according to a report published in Modern Pathology.

However, a patient’s mesothelioma prognosis is also affected by other factors like the stage of the cancer when it’s found, their age and overall health, and where the cancer develops in the body. This is why it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis.

To learn more about diagnosis, prognosis, and treatments for each cell type, get our Free Mesothelioma Guide shipped to your door overnight.

Treatments for Epithelioid Mesothelioma

Epithelioid mesothelioma treatment often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The specific treatment plan depends on factors like the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and if (and how far) their tumors have spread.

Learn more about common mesothelioma treatments for epithelioid cells below.

Surgery

Surgery is usually the first treatment option for epithelioid mesothelioma. Because epithelioid cells spread slowly, tumors are often contained to one area of the body. However, patients who are older or who have health issues may not qualify for mesothelioma surgery.

Chemotherapy

During chemotherapy, cancer-fighting medications are administered orally or through an IV. It’s not as effective as tumor-removing surgery but can destroy or shrink epithelioid cells, which helps slow down cancer progression.

A combination of medications, including pemetrexed (Alimta®) and cisplatin or carboplatin, is the most common chemotherapy treatment for epithelioid mesothelioma.

Did You Know?

According to 2004-2020 data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB), 35% of patients with epithelioid pleural mesothelioma were still alive 2 years later when treated with chemotherapy. Just 8% of patients with the sarcomatoid cell type were alive 2 years after receiving the same treatment.

Radiation

During mesothelioma radiation therapy, electrons are aimed at the tumor to prevent epithelial cells from multiplying.

Radiation therapy is usually combined with other treatment methods like chemotherapy and surgery, but it can also be used on its own to reduce pain in patients diagnosed with pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.

Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide for detailed information on the different types of treatment that can help increase your life expectancy.

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Sarcomatoid Cells

An illustration of microscopic sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells
Illustration of sarcomatoid cells under a microscope

Sarcomatoid cells are much more aggressive than epithelioid cells. Unlike epithelioid cells, sarcomatoid cells don’t clump into masses. Instead, they create small nodules that can easily break off from the primary tumor and spread through the patient’s lymph nodes and blood vessels.

The sarcomatoid cell type can be challenging to diagnose accurately. This is because these mesothelioma cancer cells can look like other types of spindle-shaped cells found in certain sarcomas (cancers that develop in the bones and soft tissues).

Further, sarcomatoid cells also have different subtypes depending on where the cancer is found in the body. An accurate diagnosis is crucial since your sarcomatoid cell subtype can impact your treatment options and prognosis.

Sarcomatoid Cell Prognosis

Because the sarcomatoid cell type is so hard to diagnose and treat, it has the worst prognosis of all three types. Patients with this cell type have a median survival of 5.5 months, according to a 2019 article published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

Treatments for Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

There may be treatment options available to increase a patient’s mesothelioma life expectancy if they’re diagnosed before their sarcomatoid tumors have metastasized (spread) to distant organs.

Treatments for this cell type include:

  • Chemotherapy. In 2021, a study published in Scientific Reports found that malignant pleural mesothelioma patients with this cell type lived for 10.7 months on average when treated with chemotherapy.
  • Immunotherapy. Some patients with sarcomatoid tumors have shown positive responses to immunotherapy. Immunotherapy medications like Opdivo® and Yervoy® block proteins that cancer cells use to sneak past the immune system, allowing immune cells to recognize and attack the cancer cells.
  • Surgery. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma patients whose cancer is localized to one area and are in good overall health may be eligible to undergo tumor-removing surgeries.

Since the sarcomatoid cell type is so aggressive and challenging to manage, doctors may also recommend that these patients enroll in mesothelioma clinical trials testing new or novel treatments.

Learn More About Clinical Trials & Treatments

Request our Free Mesothelioma Guide today and have it shipped to your door overnight.

Biphasic Cells

An illustration of microscopic biphasic mesothelioma cells
Illustration of biphasic cell types microscope

Tumors that contain a combination of sarcomatoid and epithelioid cells are called biphasic tumors, or sometimes mixed mesothelioma tumors.

A common method for identifying biphasic mesothelioma tumors is called immunohistochemistry. This involves coating cell walls with dye to make the proteins within cells more visible. A mesothelioma doctor can see which cell type is dominant based on these proteins.

Biphasic Cell Prognosis

The median survival for biphasic mesothelioma patients is 10 months, but some patients live longer depending on the treatments they receive. Which mesothelioma cells are dominant will affect each individual patient’s prognosis.

Treatments for Biphasic Mesothelioma

Which therapies will be used to treat biphasic mesothelioma depends on the ratio of epithelioid to sarcomatoid cells, as well as where the cancer has developed, how far it has spread, and the age and overall health of the patient.

A case study published in the June 2023 edition of the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports shows the potential benefits of combining immunotherapy with surgery and chemotherapy in patients with biphasic mesothelioma.

According to the case study, presented by top mesothelioma specialist Dr. Paul Sugarbaker, a 39-year-old woman with sarcomatoid-dominant peritoneal mesothelioma received the immunotherapy drug Opdivo prior to cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy.

“As of April 1, 2023, five years after her diagnosis and 4 years after her cytoreductive surgery, the patient remains free of disease, without disability, and eating a regular diet.”
– Dr. Paul Sugarbaker

The report is notable as it represents a rare case of long-term survival with the biphasic mesothelioma cell type.

A mesothelioma doctor can determine if you’re a good candidate for treatments like immunotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. Get help finding specialists at top mesothelioma cancer centers with our Free Doctor Match.

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How Is Cell Type Determined?

The broad term for studying any type of tissue is called histology. Histology is used in every type of cancer diagnosis, including mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma histology is very important when diagnosing and treating this cancer. By determining which mesothelioma cell types are present, doctors can create specialized treatment plans that give patients the best chance of becoming long-term survivors.

Testing for mesothelioma usually begins with a physical exam along with X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest or abdomen. If those tests show areas of potential concern, the doctor will order a biopsy. A mesothelioma biopsy is the only way to confirm a diagnosis.

During a biopsy, a sample of tissue or fluid is taken and sent to a pathology lab, where it’s examined under a microscope. A pathologist can then determine if there are mesothelioma cells, and if so, which type of cells are present.

We Can Help Patients With All Mesothelioma Cell Types

No matter which cell type you or a loved one is diagnosed with, Mesothelioma Hope can help.

Since mesothelioma cells can be misdiagnosed as other cancers, it’s critical to find a doctor who specializes in this type of cancer. A mesothelioma doctor is best equipped to provide an accurate diagnosis and tailor treatment to your cell type.

Our team of caring Patient Advocates can get you in touch with top doctors in your area. Get started right now using our Free Mesothelioma Doctor Match.

Mesothelioma Cell Types FAQs

What are the histological cells of mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma has three primary histological cell types.

  • Epithelioid: This is the most common type, and its cells have a rectangular shape like the normal cells that line various organs and tissues.
  • Sarcomatoid: This type is rarer but more aggressive with cells that look like spindles.
  • Biphasic (or mixed): This cell type is a combination of the first two cell types.

It’s important to note that mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer associated with exposure to asbestos. Early detection and specialized treatment are crucial for increasing life expectancy and becoming a long-term mesothelioma survivor.

What is the least aggressive mesothelioma?

The epithelioid cell type is generally considered to be the least aggressive mesothelioma cell type.

This subtype tends to grow more slowly and respond better to treatment compared to the other subtypes, which are sarcomatoid and biphasic. Because of this, the prognosis for epithelioid mesothelioma is typically better, with higher survival rates.

What cells does malignant mesothelioma affect?

Malignant mesothelioma affects healthy mesothelial cells that line the inside of the chest, abdomen, and the space around the heart.

Mesothelioma cancer develops when these cells mutate and start to grow and divide uncontrollably.

Is mesothelioma small cell or non-small cell?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is not lung cancer and is not classified as small cell or non-small cell.

There are four main forms of mesothelioma that are based on where the cancer develops: pleural (in the lungs), peritoneal (in the abdomen), pericardial (around the heart), and testicular (around the testes).

Unlike lung cancer, mesothelioma has its own unique characteristics, treatments, and prognosis.

What is the cell of origin of mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma originates from special cells called mesothelial cells that line organs like the lungs and abdomen. When these cells get damaged from asbestos exposure, they can turn into cancer.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in various industries for its fire-resistant properties.

Unknowingly inhaling or ingesting asbestos can cause inflammation and DNA damage to the cells over time, eventually leading to mesothelioma.

Dr. Mark LevinReviewed by:Mark Levin, MD

Certified Oncologist and Hematologist

  • Fact-Checked
  • Editor

Mark Levin, MD, has over 30 years of experience in academic and community hematology and oncology. In addition to serving as Chief or Director at four different teaching institutions throughout his life, he is still a practicing clinician, has taught and designed formal education programs, and has authored numerous publications in various fields related to hematology and oncology.

Dr. Mark Levin is an independently paid medical reviewer.

  • Board Certified Oncologist
  • 30+ Years Experience
  • Published Medical Author
Jenna TozziWritten by:

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Jenna Tozzi, RN, is the Director of Patient Advocacy at Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.

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References
  1. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). What is malignant mesothelioma? Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/malignant-mesothelioma/about/malignant-mesothelioma.html
  2. Amin, W., et al. (2018, August 3). Factors influencing malignant mesothelioma survival: A retrospective review of the National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank cohort. Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6198263/
  3. Bou‐Samra, P., et al. (2023). Epidemiological, therapeutic, and survival trends in malignant pleural mesothelioma: A review of the National Cancer Database. Cancer Medicine, 12(11), 12208–12220. Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.5915
  4. Cedres, S., et al. (2021). Efficacy of chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma according to histology in a real-world cohort. Scientific Reports, 11(1). Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-00831-4
  5. City of Hope. (n.d.). Types of mesothelioma: Common, rare and more. Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/mesothelioma/types
  6. Kim, S., et al. (2019). Is there a role for cancer-directed surgery in early-stage sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma? The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 107(1), 194–201. Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.athoracsur.2018.07.081
  7. Ko, H., Kamil, Z., & Geddie, W. (2014, June 12). Microcystic variant malignant mesothelioma presenting as a localized paraspinal mass. Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4104538/
  8. Kottangal, G., et al. (May 2022. Pleural malignant deciduoid mesothelioma: Case report of a rare variant of epithelioid mesothelioma. Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://www.jdpo.org/article-details/16497
  9. Matsubara, T., et al. (2017, December 1). A case of the resected lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma: BAP1 is a key of accurate diagnosis. Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/37/12/6937
  10. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. (n.d.). Radiation therapy for mesothelioma. Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/mesothelioma/treatment/radiation-therapy
  11. Moffitt Cancer Center. (n.d.). Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, symptoms & treatment. Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://moffitt.org/cancers/mesothelioma/diagnosis/types/sarcomatoid-mesothelioma/
  12. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Malignant Mesothelioma. Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://www.cancer.gov/types/mesothelioma/patient/mesothelioma-treatment-pdq#_1
  13. Rosen, L. E., et al. (2018). Nuclear grade and necrosis predict prognosis in malignant epithelioid pleural mesothelioma: A multi-institutional study. Modern Pathology, 31(4), 598–606. Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1038/modpathol.2017.170
  14. Schipper, P., et al. (2018, September 29). Is there a role for cancer-directed surgery in early-stage sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma? Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003497518313353
  15. Sugarbaker, P. H. (2023). Response to Nivolumab followed by complete cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC resulted in long-term survival in a patient with sarcomatoid-predominant biphasic peritoneal mesothelioma. A case report. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports, 107, 108359. Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108359
  16. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Deciduoid mesothelioma: report of 21 cases with review of the literature. Retrieved January 31 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22684220
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