Mesothelioma Cancer Cell Types

Epithelioid Mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma and accounts for approximately 50 to 75 percent of all mesothelioma cancer cells. These cells are classified as relatively uniform in shape, with a unique elongated and tubular pattern. When viewed under high-power magnification, these cells are easily distinguishable from other cell nuclei.

Other types of cancer cells can take a similar form. If these cells occur in the mesothelium they can be easily mistaken for epithelioid cells. Among the cancer cells similar to epithelioid cells are adenocarcinomas, which are more commonly associated with pure lung cancers, as opposed to those that occur in the mesothelium.

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for between 7% and 20% of all mesothelioma cases. These cancer cells arise out of supportive tissue structures such as bones, muscles, and fats.

Tumors with mixed cells of epithelioid and sarcomatoid tumors are referred to as biphasic mesothelioma Mesothelioma treatment options do not vary from one cell type to the other, as they respond similarly.

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Last modified: January 14 2010.