Mesothelioma Histology

Understanding the different types of mesothelioma can be confusing. Delving into the various types of mesothelioma cells may also be quite overwhelming. By first grasping the concept of histology and its role in a mesothelioma diagnosis, patients may better understand the cancer they are facing.

Histology is a branch of biology and medicine that involves the study of the minute structure of the cells and tissues of animals and plants. Mesothelioma histology specifically involves the study of the various types of mesothelioma cells, which is imperative to make an accurate diagnosis.

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Histology, Histopathology and Cancer

Closely related to histology, histopathology is the study of tissue changes characteristic of diseased cells. Histopathology is extremely important when it comes to diagnosing various types of cancer, including mesothelioma.

When testing for cancer, a medical test involving the removal and examination of cells, tissue or fluids from the body, known as a biopsy, is often performed. By studying the cells, a scientist specializing in detection of the effects of disease on body tissue, known as a histopathologist, can determine what type of cancer may be present. Histology and histopathology may also be utilized to help predict the response of tumors after chemotherapy.

Histology, Histopathology and Mesothelioma

Following a biopsy, histopathologists will examine the tissue sample to search for signs of mesothelioma. When specifically examining a tumor sample for the presence of mesothelioma, a histopathologist will carefully inspect the sample for three types of cells:

Each specific cell type has different visible characteristics. For example, in the case of sarcomatoid mesothelioma, cells have elongated nuclei, while epithelial cells are most commonly distinguished by the identification of microvilli (microscopic protrusions of a cell) tissue or cell organelle.

The characteristics noted in the different cell types are very subtle. Unfortunately, this can make the diagnosis process of mesothelioma quite challenging. Specifically distinguishing mesothelioma cells from cells characteristic of adenocarcinoma, a cancer that affects glandular tissue, can be a serious challenge, as the cells can appear very similar.

Variances in Histological Types of Mesothelioma

In rare cases, histological variances of mesothelioma cells occur, resulting in the following cell types:

Deciduoid Mesothelioma A rare variant of epithelial mesothelioma cells, deciduoid mesothelioma has been noted in 21 cases of mesothelioma as of 2010 (13 peritoneal and eight pleural).

Desmoplastic Mesothelioma A form of sarcomatoid mesothelioma, the framework of desmoplastic mesothelioma cells are more than 50 percent collagenized.

Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma : This cell type is a rare and often misdiagnosed variant of sarcomatoid mesothelioma that contains histocyte-like dense lymphocytic infiltrates.

Small Cell mesothelioma A rare variant of mesothelioma, this cell type occurs when at least 50 percent of desmoplastic mesothelioma cells are formed by "small cells."

Additional mesothelioma histological variances may include adenoid cystic, tubulopapillary, glandular, histiocytoid, microcystic, macrocystic, signet ring, single file, diffuse – NOS, glomeruloid, poorly differentiated (large cell) or pleomorphi ,mucin positive, gaucher cell-like, in situ and well-differentiated papillary.

Talk to a Patient Advocate

If you have more questions or just need to check on information you already have, feel free to call one of The Mesothelioma Center's Patient Advocates at (800) 615-2270. You can also fill out this form to get a complimentary packet mailed to you.