Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

What Is Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma?

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by asbestos. This cancer can affect the lungs, heart, abdomen or testes. Sarcomatoid refers to the tumor cell type. These cells make up most of the tumors for this type of mesothelioma.

Sarcomatoid cells grow in connective tissues, such as bones, nerves and tendons. The sarcomatoid type is the rarest of the three primary cell types. For comparison, about 60% of patients have the epithelial type, and 20% have the biphasic type. 

Tumors of the sarcomatoid cell type are more likely to spread to new areas. They’re also more resistant to treatment.

“Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a rare subtype in contrast to epithelial,” said Dr. Andrea Wolf in an exclusive interview with The Mesothelioma Center. “Sarcomatoid tends to be a little more locally progressive.”

What Causes Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma?

Asbestos is the primary cause of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Breathing or swallowing asbestos traps fibers in the body. Over time, irritation and inflammation lead to mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma risk factors include exposure on the job or from the environment.

Symptoms take a long time to appear, approximately 20 to 60 years after asbestos exposure. They often resemble those of more common illnesses. If you have a history of asbestos exposure, speak with your doctor about early screening. More treatment options may be available to you.

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Symptoms

The most common symptoms of sarcomatoid mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. Sarcomatoid cells are most often found in pleural disease that develops in the lining of the lungs. Severe symptoms include difficulty breathing and persistent cough. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma symptoms can take between 20 and 60 years to appear.

Most symptoms depend on tumor location. Patients with sarcomatoid peritoneal cancer will have abdominal symptoms. They may experience bowel problems, abdominal pain and swelling. If you have any symptoms or a history of asbestos exposure, speak with a specialist as soon as possible.

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How Is Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Doctors use imaging and biopsies to confirm a sarcomatoid mesothelioma diagnosis. Imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs reveal abnormalities in the chest. Your doctor or a surgeon will collect a tissue sample for the biopsy. Another doctor reviews the cells under a microscope and creates a pathology report.

Only a biopsy can show specific details such as cell type. Pathology stains are chemical laboratory tests that make cellular features stand out under a microscope. Sarcomatoid cells are long, narrow and shaped like spindles. Epithelial cells are round and rectangular, making them easier to treat. 

The shape of sarcomatoid cells causes them to break apart more often. As they do, the cells become more challenging to remove and can travel to new areas and metastasize.

Understanding Your Pathology Report

Your pathology report describes the tumor cell type, biomarkers and cancer stage. Your doctor uses the findings to complete your diagnosis and can also use them along with blood tests to track treatment. Ask your doctor about your report so you can make informed treatment decisions.

“Most patients don’t know their cell type when I initially speak with them,” said Patient Advocate Dr. Snehal Smart of The Mesothelioma Center. “I help them review their pathology report and explain what sarcomatoid cell types are and what this means for them and their doctor to determine the best treatment plan for that patient.”

Immunohistochemical markers, or biomarkers, can indicate how to treat your cancer. These markers are like flags telling your doctor which drugs work best. For example, if sarcomatoid cells in your tumor express high levels of PD-L1, it will appear when a pathologist stains them. Checkpoint inhibitor drugs such as Opdivo and Yervoy may be the most effective in this case.

Rare Sarcomatoid Cell Types

Rare sarcomatoid mesothelioma cell subtypes can complicate your diagnosis. These types come in three categories. Some may provide a better prognosis. Others can point to a higher chance of metastasis.

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma subtypes are rare. They most often develop in the pleura. Ask your physician whether there are any abnormalities in your pathology report. They can offer more information on your prognosis.

What Is the Survival Rate of Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma?

The median overall survival for sarcomatoid mesothelioma is 8.6 months. In a 2021 clinical research study, patients with sarcomatoid mesothelioma who received immunotherapy had a median overall survival of 15 months. The median overall survival was 10.7 months for those who received chemotherapy.

Each patient’s prognosis differs based on health, tumor location and metastasis. Doctors use past data to make prognosis estimates. Patients with pleural sarcomatoid mesothelioma survive about five months. Those with the peritoneal form have a life expectancy of about 10 to 11 months after diagnosis. Women with the sarcomatoid type tend to live longer than men.

The most impressive advancement for checkpoint blockade has been the demonstration that for people with sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma, we can double survival with the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab

Dr. Anna Nowak

Researcher at the Institute for Respiratory Health in Western Australia

Sarcomatoid cells are resistant to treatment because of their fibrous nature. Your outlook will improve as more treatment options become available. New therapies through clinical trials may work better for some patients.

“The most impressive advancement for checkpoint blockade has been the demonstration that for people with sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma, we can double survival with the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab,” Dr. Anna Nowak, a researcher at the Institute for Respiratory Health in Western Australia, told The Mesothelioma Center.

Survivor Story

Tamron Little Mesothelioma Survivor

A Decade of Courage, Survival and Service

Survivor Story

At just 21 years old, Tamron Little was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. Mere months after the birth of her son Caleb, she courageously faced cytoreductive surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Over a decade later, not only has she triumphed over mesothelioma, but she’s now a mother of four, as well as an ordained minister. Little looks to offer guidance and support to those diagnosed with this challenging disease.

Read Tamron’s Story

Treatment Options for Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma treatment options include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy. These options differ for each patient based on cancer stage, tumor extent and overall health. Seeking a mesothelioma specialist at a top cancer center is the best way to learn all your options.

“Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a little less responsive to chemotherapy,” mesothelioma specialist Dr. Andrea Wolf of Mount Sinai Hospital told The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com. “But from what we see from more recent data, it may be more responsive to immunotherapy. And we have additional treatment options for those patients.”

Common Questions About Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Where can I get treatment for sarcomatoid cell mesothelioma?

You can get sarcomatoid mesothelioma treatment from a top treatment center specialist. This cell type is more challenging to treat and needs a team of experts. Pleural cancer requires the best thoracic surgeons and oncologists with experience. Peritoneal patients should seek a top doctor with years of experience in asbestos cancers and abdominal cancer treatment.

Can sarcomatoid mesothelioma be prevented?

You can prevent sarcomatoid mesothelioma by being aware of asbestos exposure risks. Exposure tends to happen at job sites or from damaged materials containing asbestos. Find out whether you have asbestos-containing materials in your home. If you do, take steps to prevent exposure, such as hiring an abatement professional.

Is sarcomatoid mesothelioma curable?

Like other forms of this cancer, sarcomatoid mesothelioma is not curable. Clinical research trials are testing the latest methods to improve the safety and effectiveness of new drugs. Talk to your doctor about the best options for you. Some treatments, such as those in clinical trials, may extend your life for several years.

Is there any ongoing research on sarcomatoid mesothelioma?

Yes, researchers are working on novel ways to treat sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Many patients have found success with new immunotherapy drugs. You may be eligible to join a clinical trial and receive the latest medication that targets sarcomatoid cells. Ask your mesothelioma specialist which treatments are right for you.

Is sarcomatoid mesothelioma different than sarcomatoid carcinoma?

Yes, sarcomatoid mesothelioma and carcinoma are two different types of cancer with unique origins and characteristics. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a subtype of malignant mesothelioma. This cancer arises from the mesothelial cells that line the lungs, abdomen or heart. It involves the presence of spindle-shaped or elongated tumor cells. These cells resemble those in sarcoma, a cancer that arises from connective tissue.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a subtype of carcinoma. This cancer comes from epithelial cells that line various organs and tissues. It can occur in several organs, including the lungs, liver and pancreas. Treatment is often different between the two types based on location and stage.