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Mesothelioma Cells
Table Of Contents
Epithelioid, sarcomatoid and biphasic are the three main types of mesothelioma cells. Epithelioid is the most common and has the best prognosis, while sarcomatoid is rare and has a poor prognosis. Biphasic has a mix of both cell types, and prognosis depends on the ratio of each.
Written by Karen Selby, RN | Medically Reviewed By Dr. Jacques Fontaine | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: June 27, 2024
Written by Karen Selby, RN | Medically Reviewed By Dr. Jacques Fontaine | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: June 27, 2024
What Are the Different Types of Mesothelioma Cells?
There are three major mesothelioma cell types.
- Epithelioid: As the most common kind of mesothelioma cell type, it accounts for between 50% and 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Epithelioid is the most responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis than other cell types.
- Sarcomatoid: This rare type of mesothelioma cell is spindle-shaped and has a poor prognosis.
- Biphasic: This cell type is a combination of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. Treatment options and prognosis depend on the ratio of each cell type present.
These cell types differ based on how they look under a microscope. They also differ in how they grow and form cancerous tumors in the body.
There are many rare cellular subtypes in addition to the three main mesothelioma cell categories. These are rare variances in histological mesothelioma types.
In addition to cell type, the type of mesothelioma designates the tumor’s location. The four types of mesothelioma defined by tumor location are pleural, peritoneal, pericardial and testicular.
Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the chest cavity, while peritoneal disease is found in the lining of the abdominal cavity. Pericardial tumors form in the lining around the heart, and testicular mesothelioma occurs in the lining around the testes.
Doctors can designate critical details about a patient’s tumor using tumor location and mesothelioma cell type. For example, a person can have a peritoneal tumor of epithelial cell type or a pleural cancer composed of sarcomatoid cells.
Each cell type responds to treatment differently. The cell type also affects prognosis. After a mesothelioma diagnosis, your doctor will study your mesothelioma pathology report. This report helps them to understand the details of your cancer cell type.
This information is critical. Mesothelioma testing of the cell type is necessary to develop a helpful treatment plan.
A 2021 research study suggests using electron microscopy for a more accurate mesothelioma diagnosis.
What Is Mesothelioma Histology?
Mesothelioma histology is the study of cancerous mesothelial cells.
Histology is a branch of biology that studies cells and tissues. Histopathology is the study of diseased cells, which falls within the larger field of pathology.
A pathologist uses histology to provide accurate details about your cancer cell type. Only a small number of mesothelioma pathologists are available.
These specialists use microscopes to view cells up close. They prepare samples of tissue with chemical stains that make the cells’ features stand out.
Histology also helps prevent misdiagnosis. Studying the cell type helps doctors tell the difference. For example, peritoneal mesothelioma and ovarian cancer can be challenging to distinguish.
Cell Types of Malignant Mesothelioma
Pathologists look for three types of cells: epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each cell type looks different.
Epithelial cells under a microscope.
Epithelial Cells
These mesothelioma cells are uniform, sharply defined and square to tubular in configuration. They feature prominent nuclei and divide quickly but tend to stick together. This means it takes longer for them to spread throughout the body. The epithelial cell type accounts for more than 50% of all mesothelioma cases and up to 70% of cases.
Treatment: Epithelial cell mesothelioma typically is the most responsive to treatment. This can lead to a better prognosis.
Sarcomatoid cells in a pathology stain.
Sarcomatoid Cells
Spindle-shaped sarcomatoid cells lack defining structure and have an irregular configuration. They spread faster than epithelial cells because they don’t tend to stick together as they grow. This rare cell type makes up 10% to 20% of cases.
Treatment: Because sarcomatoid cell mesothelioma is more aggressive and more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage than epithelial type, this cancer often has fewer treatment options. It forms less clear-cut tumor boundaries and is harder to treat surgically.
Viewing biphasic cells under a microscope.
Biphasic Cells
Malignant mesothelioma is biphasic when it contains epithelial and sarcomatoid cells. This mixed cell type accounts for 20% to 30% of mesothelioma cases. Each cell type must account for at least 10% of the tumor mass to receive a biphasic diagnosis.
Treatment: Treatment options are better and life expectancy is longer if there are more epithelial cells and fewer sarcomatoid cells. Treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Each cell type has different visible traits when seen under a microscope. For example, sarcomatoid cells have long nuclei. Epithelial cells have microvilli, microscopic protrusions of the cell. They also have clear structures called organelles within each cell.
Doctors use these features to confirm the diagnosis. They can use this information and mesothelioma staging to estimate prognosis and develop a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma Cell Type’s Response to Treatments
- Epithelial cells typically are the most responsive to treatment, which often leads to a better prognosis.
- Sarcomatoid cells are the least responsive to treatment. Some mesothelioma specialists do not consider sarcomatoid tumors eligible for surgical removal.
- Biphasic cell type contains some sarcomatoid cells and also may be considered less treatment responsive than epithelial cell type. The exact prognosis depends on the ratio of epithelial to sarcomatoid cells. More epithelial and fewer sarcomatoid is associated with a better prognosis.
The appearance of the different cell types is subtle. Only the most experienced pathologists can tell the difference. This nuance can make a diagnosis quite tricky. For example, discerning mesothelioma cells from adenocarcinoma cells can be a challenge.
Rare Variances in Histological Mesothelioma Types
Some rare mesothelioma cells require histological classification in more detail than the three major cell classifications: epithelial, sarcomatoid, and biphasic.
Adenomatoid
In this variant of epithelial mesothelioma, the cells line small, gland-like structures. This type is also called glandular or microglandular mesothelioma.
Benign
Benign mesothelioma is neither cancerous nor the result of asbestos exposure.
Cystic
The cystic mesothelioma type has smooth, thin-walled cysts held together by fragile fibrovascular tissue. It is a subtype of epithelial mesothelioma.
Deciduoid
Deciduoid reflects this unusual epithelial cell subtype’s histological resemblance to cell changes occurring in early pregnancy. It most commonly affects young women.
Desmoplastic
Desmoplastic mesothelioma is a form of sarcomatoid mesothelioma, and more than 50% of the tumor comprises dense, fibrous tissue.
Heterologous
Tumors of heterologous cell types contain bodily tissues different from those in which they form. Only a handful of cases exist in the medical literature.
Lymphohistiocytoid
This subtype of sarcomatoid mesothelioma, known as lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma, often leads to misdiagnosis. Its makeup resembles a dense bundle of inflammatory and immune cells.
Papillary
This variant of epithelial mesothelioma, known as papillary mesothelioma, resembles healthy cells that grow and multiply slowly. It does not typically spread to other parts of the body.
Small Cell
Small cell mesothelioma occurs when a large proportion of a mesothelioma tumor comprises small cells that grow in a pattern similar to small-cell carcinoma.
Histology Process to Determine Mesothelioma Cell Type
The histology process starts with the surgeon who takes the biopsy. A technician transfers the tissue from the biopsy onto a slide for a microscope. The pathologist then works to identify cancer cells.
The order in which doctors determine mesothelioma cell type from biopsy to study.
Surgeons remove tumor tissue during a biopsy. In the lab, a technician fixes, embeds, sections and mounts the cells on a slide. Then, chemical stains reveal the cells’ appearance for a pathologist to identify.
A frozen section fixation is used to diagnose cancer during surgery. Small sections of the tumor are removed and quickly frozen while the patient is still in surgery. A slice of the frozen tissue is then stained and placed on a slide for a rapid assessment by a pathologist to determine if a tumor is malignant.
Once the technician mounts and stains the biopsy cells on a slide, the sample is ready to view under a microscope. The pathologist notes the cells’ size, shape and structure to identify the tumor’s cell type.
Additional Lab Processes to Support Histology Cell Studies
Pathologists use other techniques to learn more about cells. These techniques include in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.
In situ hybridization
In situ hybridization uses fluorescent or radioactive probes to bind DNA and RNA. Scientists can use this method to analyze a cell’s genes and detect genetic abnormalities.
Immunohistochemistry
Immunohistochemistry relies on the principle that antibodies bind to specific antigens. Antibodies also bind to cancer cell proteins called oncoproteins.
Depending on the suspected cancer type, antibodies are applied to tissues on a microscope slide. The interaction of antibodies and oncoproteins creates visual patterns, which help pathologists diagnose mesothelioma.
Common Immunohistochemical Markers for Mesothelioma
- Cytokeratin 5 and 6
- Calretinin
- WT-1 protein
- Podoplanin (D2-40)
Immunohistochemistry is regularly combined with other diagnostic procedures, including mesothelioma histology, to provide the most accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma.
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Get Yours NowWhy Is Mesothelioma Pathology Important?
Pathology and cytology testing results play a significant role in confirming a mesothelioma diagnosis. This testing helps doctors determine the best treatment plans.
The pathology report is the most crucial component in a mesothelioma diagnosis. It provides the definitive cancer diagnosis, describing the specific types of cells found in a patient’s tumors.
Doctors recommend more aggressive treatment for patients with epithelial cells because they typically respond better to treatment than patients with sarcomatoid cells. Doctors also consider other factors when developing treatment plans. These factors include the stage of the cancer’s progression and the patient’s age, gender and overall health.
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