If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos, be sure to contact us so we can help you.
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Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects multiple sections of the serous membrane; the pleura (lung cavity), the peritoneum (abdominal cavity), the pericardium (heart sac), and very rarely the lining around the testicles. Malignant mesothelioma cases are typed according to the section of the serous membrane that is affected (pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial mesothelioma). A given type of malignant mesothelioma is also broken into three distinct histological categories or cell type categories: Histology refers to the microscopic structure, of organic tissues. A mesothelioma sufferers' cancer cell type is determined through a histopathological examination. In order to do this a section of mesothelioma tumor is removed during a diagnostic surgical procedure called a biopsy. The sectioned tissue sample is examined by a histopathologist, an expert in the study of diseased tissue who is capable of extracting a great deal of information by viewing a cancer cell under a high-powered electron microscope. Based on the examination, a histopathologist can confirm a case of malignant mesothelioma, type it, stage it, and place it into an appropriate histological category. In one study conducted on 167 patients in effort to determine the prognosis (mean survival times) associated with each of the mesothelioma histological categories:
This study suggests that biphasic mesothelioma is the most aggressive of the histological categories because it has the shortest mean survival time. Experimental treatments are often used in all forms of mesothelioma because of the short survival times. Epithelioid MesotheliomaAccounting for approximately 50% to 70% of all mesothelioma cancer cells, epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common type of histological category. Epithelioid mesothelioma is diagnosed based on its unique, uniform cellular structure. Epithelioid cells have a tubular pattern and a distinct cell nucleus when viewed under high magnification. It is not uncommon for other types of cancer to take on a similar appearance to epithelioid cells. When such cancers occur in the mesothelium, it can potentially lead to a misdiagnosis of the disease. Sarcomatoid MesotheliomaAccounting for approximately 15% of all mesothelioma diagnoses, sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the least common type of histological category. Compared to epithelioid mesothelioma, sarcomatoid mesothelioma has an irregular cellular structure. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells are typically oval, with a nucleus that is not as clearly visible when viewed under high magnification. The irregular oval shaped cellular pattern associated with sarcomatoid mesothelioma is similar to the cellular pattern of a variety of other cancer types, including sarcomatoid carcinoma and sarcoma. Biphasic MesotheliomaBiphasic mesothelioma was previously thought to account for approximately 25% of all mesotheliomas; however, recent studies have suggested that biphasic mesothelioma accounts for 46% to 63% of all mesothelioma cancer cells. Biphasic mesothelioma is different from epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma in that it does not have a unique cellular pattern. Also called mixed mesothelioma, biphasic mesothelioma is a combination of epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma cancer cells. The cells can either be mixed together, or found separately throughout the patient. Biphasic mesothelioma's jump in occurrence from 25% to approximately 54% can be attributed to epithelioid cells and sarcomatoid cells being separated throughout different sections of the tumor. A section of tissue examined by a histopathologist may only contain epithelioid cancer cells, leading to a misdiagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma. Multiple biopsies can help to avoid such mistakes and help lead to a correct diagnosis of biphasic mesothelioma. Legal Questions If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and think it may be caused by toxic exposure to organic solvents like benzene, and you have legal questions or require legal assistance, contact Paul & Hanley LLP. Our firm has an outstanding track record of success in toxic tort litigation cases across the country, and our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion. We've built our reputation on toxic tort litigation representing individuals diagnosed with NHL, mesothelioma and other serious diseases with dignity and respect. We handle a select number of cases at a time and represent workers and families with the extra special attention required for the best possible outcome in each case. We understand your case is unique, so we take the time to get to know you and your family. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. We'll discuss your specific case and give you honest answers to your important questions. Our toll free telephone number is 800 933-2244. We look forward to helping you.
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