Malignant Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
The presence of sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells will have an impact on
a patient's prognosis and treatment. Generally, patients diagnosed with
sarcomatoid mesothelioma have a poorer prognosis and experience little
response to treatment. Evaluating the characteristics of sarcomatoid
mesothelioma, learning how it is diagnosed, and knowing how doctors
treat this type will better prepare you for your prognosis and fight
against this cancer.
Accounting for 10 to 20 percent of cases, sarcomatoid mesothelioma is
the least common of the three mesothelioma cell types. This form
carries the poorest prognosis in comparison to other cell types and is
often labeled as the more aggressive type of mesothelioma.
It is important to consider your specific cell type when discussing
treatment because it may help determine which options are best for you.
While one treatment may prove to be successful against mesothelioma, someone with sarcomatoid mesothelioma may not experience the same results as someone with epithelial or biphasic mesothelioma. Treatments for sarcomatoid patients are the same as the other cell types, but treatment plans are more importantly based off of the stage and location of the cancer. Because treatment is not solely determined by cell type, most sarcomatoid patients who elect to receive treatment experience one or more of the following therapies:
Still Have Questions About Cell Types?
If you've been diagnosed with sarcomatoid mesothelioma and would like to learn more about how this type affects your prognosis, contact one of our Patient and Family Advocates at (800) 615-2270 or simply fill out the form on this page to receive additional information absolutely free.
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Accounting for 10 to 20 percent of cases, sarcomatoid mesothelioma is
the least common of the three mesothelioma cell types. This form
carries the poorest prognosis in comparison to other cell types and is
often labeled as the more aggressive type of mesothelioma.
It is important to consider your specific cell type when discussing
treatment because it may help determine which options are best for you.Characteristics of Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
Sarcomatoid cells are named for their structural resemblance to the cells of a sarcoma, or a cancer that arises from connective tissue cells. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells are generally elongated and spindle-shaped when viewed under a microscope. The irregularly-shaped sarcomatoid cells often overlap in a fibrous, haphazard pattern. This type of mesothelioma is sometimes difficult to diagnose because it tends to resemble fibrosarcomas, or malignant, soft tissue tumors in fibrous connective tissue.How Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is Diagnosed
In order to determine if sarcomatoid cells are associated with your case, doctors will need to analyze tumor tissue. This tissue sample is retrieved through a biopsy, which is often performed by inserting a thin needle into the cancerous area and extracting a piece of tissue. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is sometimes misdiagnosed as pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma, a cancer that affects the lungs (not the lining of the lungs as in mesothelioma). Obtaining an accurate diagnosis helps doctors recommend the best course of treatment, which can have a powerful effect on patient prognosis. For more information on improving your prognosis sign up to receive a free mesothelioma informational guide.How Sarcomatoid Cells Affect Treatment & Prognosis
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells are more resistant than the other cell types to most treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This resistance to treatment significantly affects prognosis and is why sarcomatoid mesothelioma patients do not live as long as patients with other cell types. Some doctors recommend that sarcomatoid patients diagnosed in later stages should not receive any treatment because of sarcomatoid mesothelioma's strong resistance to most therapies. These doctors believe the side effects of treatment are too painful and stressful for the lack of positive results seen in sarcomatoid mesothelioma.While one treatment may prove to be successful against mesothelioma, someone with sarcomatoid mesothelioma may not experience the same results as someone with epithelial or biphasic mesothelioma. Treatments for sarcomatoid patients are the same as the other cell types, but treatment plans are more importantly based off of the stage and location of the cancer. Because treatment is not solely determined by cell type, most sarcomatoid patients who elect to receive treatment experience one or more of the following therapies:
Still Have Questions About Cell Types?
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation TherapyIf you've been diagnosed with sarcomatoid mesothelioma and would like to learn more about how this type affects your prognosis, contact one of our Patient and Family Advocates at (800) 615-2270 or simply fill out the form on this page to receive additional information absolutely free.
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