The characteristics of your cancer, even at the cellular level, can have a huge impact on your prognosis. Learn about epithelial mesothelioma, a common cell type that responds especially well to treatment.
The cellular makeup of a mesothelioma tumor can vary substantially from patient to patient. Malignant epithelial mesothelioma, a specific cellular type of the disease, accounts for 50 to 70 percent of all diagnosed cases. If your tumor is mainly composed of epithelial cells, you may respond better to treatment and receive a more favorable outcome than patients with other cell types. Knowing its characteristics, how it is diagnosed and its most effective treatment options will help you understand how cell type can affect your prognosis.
Epithelial mesothelioma distribution
Epithelial mesothelioma accounts for 50 to 70 percent of all diagnosed cases.
Because it represents the majority of cases, doctors have performed more research on epithelial mesothelioma than any other cell type. During cancer research, doctors study cell types to better understand how well patients will respond to specific treatments. Although treatment does not typically differ from one cell type to the next, your type may dictate which clinical trials are available to you.
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Characteristics
Tumors can be classified by the type and appearance of the cancerous cells involved. Epithelial cells form the epithelium, which is the most common of the four major tissue types in humans. With functions including protection, sensory perception and fluid secretion, epithelial tissue lines several major body cavities and most of our organs. Epithelial cells are also present in our skin, eyes, taste buds and ears.
The structure of epithelial tissue will vary depending on its location and function. The epithelial cells may appear thin and flat, cube- or hexagon-shaped or tall and column-like. When the epithelial cells turn cancerous, they can take on several visual patterns. Usually they lose uniformity or otherwise become atypical in appearance, but they can also form small tubes or clusters that resemble a raspberry. Epithelioid mesothelioma most commonly occurs in cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
How It Is Diagnosed
Epithelial cancer cells cannot be easily identified with diagnostic imaging scans. To determine which cell type is present, a thoracoscopy or similar form of surgical biopsy needs to be performed. Biopsies offer doctors a way to examine the potentially cancerous cells under a high-powered microscope. During a biopsy, a cell or tissue sample of the tumor is extracted for further evaluation.
One of the primary challenges of diagnosing epithelioid mesothelioma is distinguishing it from other types of cancer. Epithelial tumors are often confused with adenocarcinoma, a common type of cancer that develops in the lungs, breasts and colon. Glandular mesothelioma, an epithelial cell subtype, may resemble adenocarcinoma of the lungs. It may be difficult to diagnose these two conditions.
Epithelial mesothelioma distribution
Epithelial mesothelioma accounts for 50 to 70 percent of all diagnosed cases.
Because it represents the majority of cases, doctors have performed more research on epithelial mesothelioma than any other cell type. During cancer research, doctors study cell types to better understand how well patients will respond to specific treatments. Although treatment does not typically differ from one cell type to the next, your type may dictate which clinical trials are available to you.
Free Mesothelioma Packet
Get a free guide with information about symptoms, treatment options and more. Learn more
Characteristics
Tumors can be classified by the type and appearance of the cancerous cells involved. Epithelial cells form the epithelium, which is the most common of the four major tissue types in humans. With functions including protection, sensory perception and fluid secretion, epithelial tissue lines several major body cavities and most of our organs. Epithelial cells are also present in our skin, eyes, taste buds and ears.
The structure of epithelial tissue will vary depending on its location and function. The epithelial cells may appear thin and flat, cube- or hexagon-shaped or tall and column-like. When the epithelial cells turn cancerous, they can take on several visual patterns. Usually they lose uniformity or otherwise become atypical in appearance, but they can also form small tubes or clusters that resemble a raspberry. Epithelioid mesothelioma most commonly occurs in cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
How It Is Diagnosed
Epithelial cancer cells cannot be easily identified with diagnostic imaging scans. To determine which cell type is present, a thoracoscopy or similar form of surgical biopsy needs to be performed. Biopsies offer doctors a way to examine the potentially cancerous cells under a high-powered microscope. During a biopsy, a cell or tissue sample of the tumor is extracted for further evaluation.
One of the primary challenges of diagnosing epithelioid mesothelioma is distinguishing it from other types of cancer. Epithelial tumors are often confused with adenocarcinoma, a common type of cancer that develops in the lungs, breasts and colon. Glandular mesothelioma, an epithelial cell subtype, may resemble adenocarcinoma of the lungs. It may be difficult to diagnose these two conditions.
