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).

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