In histological terms, there are three different types of mesothelioma: sarcomatoid, epithelioid and biphasic. Malignant biphasic mesothelioma, or "mixed" mesothelioma, accounts for approximately 20 to 35 percent of all mesothelioma cases, making it the second most common type of mesothelioma.

Biphasic mesothelioma tumors are made up of a combination of both epithelial and sarcomatoid cells. These are typically arranged in groups within a tumor, rather than appearing as an even mixture of cells. For this reason, during diagnosis several samples are taken from different locations within a tumor using a biopsy. This helps to ensure that a correct diagnosis can be made, as this form of asbestos cancer does not have a unique cellular structure.

Biphasic Mesothelioma Prognosis and Treatments

Mesothelioma treatment is not based on the type of cells involved, but instead on the location of tumors and the stage of the cancer. While cell type does not determine treatment options, each type of cancer does respond to treatment in different ways.

In general, patients with biphasic mesothelioma have a poorer prognosis than patients with epithelial or sarcomatoid mesothelioma because biphasic tumors tend to be more resistant to treatment. Because of this, biphasic malignant mesothelioma is often treated more aggressively in hopes of extending the life of the patient.

Sources:

Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. Springer-Verlag London Limited: London. 2006.
Pass, I., Vogelzang, N., Carbone, M. Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Transitional Therapies. Springer: New York. 2005.
Bruce, W., Robinson, A., & Philippe Chahinian. "Mesothelioma". Informa Health Care, 2002. (ISBN 9058231801).

Learn what foods to eat, which to avoid, and the best supplements for the fight against cancer and chemotherapy recovery.

Asbestos.com's Veterans Assistance Department can help you with questions about veterans and asbestos-related illnesses or about potential benefits.

Naval Ships Index
Search through our extensive list of ships that used asbestos-containing products.
(e.g. USS Alabama BB 60)

Two must read books for anyone who has or who is caring for someone with mesothelioma.

Get a Free Copy of Lean on Me or 100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma.

Receive a copy of our monthly newsletter
with the latest clinical trials, survivor stories,
doctor profiles, and more.

Feature Story
"Success in Mesothelioma Treatment:
Dr. Robert Cameron"

Military Veterans Linked to Mesothelioma & Asbestosis
11/20/2009 - The United States Department of Veterans Affairs stated that out of the millions of veterans who have served the country, hundreds of thousands have b..
Mesothelioma Researchers Find Biological Marker to Help Diagnose Malignant Mesothelioma
11/19/2009 - Turkish researchers have recently identified a biological marker known as D2-40 to be helpful in distinguishing malignant mesothelioma from pulmonary ..
Mesothelioma Law: Asbestos-Related Lawsuit Filed Against 38 Companies
11/18/2009 - A recently filed lawsuit by Cleveland J. Savoy is claiming 38 different companies are responsible for his development of an asbestos-related disease. ..