Guide to Mesothelioma Cell Types and Their Impact on Treatment

Being told that you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of lung cancer that is linked to asbestos exposure, can be devastating for you and your loved ones. While this diagnosis may be hard to take in, it is important that you are as informed as possible on different types of mesothelioma cell types and how they may impact your treatments. While your medical team will be able to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the type of mesothelioma cells that may be impacting your body, having some general knowledge can help you feel more in control as you begin the treatment process.

At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., our esteemed founding attorney, Joe Williams, has more than three decades of experience helping clients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma fight for the justice they deserve. He works hard to use his legal skills to secure successful verdicts for clients, and he has never lost a mesothelioma case. 

What Are the Different Types of Mesothelioma Cells?

Mesothelioma is a rare, but aggressive, form of lung cancer that is caused by exposure to the harmful mineral, asbestos. Mesothelioma affects about 3,000 people each year and can vary in degrees of aggression depending on the type of mesothelioma cells found in the patient’s body.

The main types of mesothelioma cells include the following:

• Epithelioid: This is the most common type of mesothelioma cell. Epithelioid cells usually have a better prognosis than other cell types.
• Sarcomatoid: This is a rare and aggressive type of mesothelioma cell. Sarcomatoid cells grow and spread quickly, but are the least common cells in the body. The shape of these mesothelioma cells makes them more likely to move elsewhere in the body.
• Biphasic: A biphasic mesothelioma cell is a mix of both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. The degree of aggressiveness of biphasic cells depends on the ratio of epithelial to sarcomatoid cells.
• Cystic and papillary: These types of cells are rare and slow-growing.

The location of the cancerous cells can also be a factor in the type of mesothelioma a patient may be suffering from. The two most common types of locational mesothelioma are pleural and peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma develops in the lining around a patient’s lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of one’s abdomen. 

How Different Mesothelioma Cell Types Affect Treatments

Treatment plans for mesothelioma often combine multiple therapies. While there are various different options for treatments, both FDA-approved and experimental, some of the most common are chemotherapy and radiation.

The type of mesothelioma cells you are carrying in your body may affect your treatment in the following ways:

• Epithelial cells are often the most responsive to treatment. This typically leads to a better prognosis for patients.
• Sarcomatoid cells are the least responsive to treatment due to the fact that these cells are the most aggressive type. In some cases, mesothelioma doctors may not consider sarcomatoid tumors eligible for surgical removal.
• The biphasic cell type contains some sarcomatoid cells and may be considered less responsive to treatment than the epithelial cell type. The prognosis a patient with this cell type may receive will depend on the ratio of epithelial to sarcomatoid cells.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the treatments and medical journey you will undergo can be costly. Because of this, it is crucial you are able to fight for justice and recover compensation for your losses by filing a mesothelioma claim with the help of a trusted lawyer.

Why Choose The Williams Law Firm, P.C. for Your Mesothelioma Claim?

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, understanding the impact of different cell types on your treatment is critical, as is having the right legal support. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., Joe Williams has over 30 years of experience helping mesothelioma patients recover the compensation they deserve for medical expenses and other losses. We have never lost a mesothelioma case, and we fight tirelessly to ensure you receive personalized attention and the best possible outcome for your claim.

With a track record of securing successful verdicts, we are committed to fighting for justice on your behalf. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Call us today at (855) 575-6376 or visit our contact form to schedule your free consultation.