Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Caused by Asbestos

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a quite uncommon type of cancer caused due to asbestos exposure. While it is difficult to diagnose Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma, it hardly responds to any type of therapy. This is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. The possibility of finding this type of cancer is on the lips and the larynx. However, in certain cases, it may affect the oral cavity as well. Like all other forms of mesothelioma cancers, this cancer is a fatal disease and hardly responds to any method of treatment. Even though radiation therapy is recommended for the treatment of these cancerous tumors, but some of them may not be radiosensitive and may defy radiation for treatment.

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is very hard to diagnose, and many patients are misdiagnosed at first. In addition to being very rare, sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells can look like healthy tissue, making it even harder to determine whether they are malignant. The only way to tell for sure is to take a tissue sample by biopsy and send for laboratory analysis.

Asbestos exposure is connected to most cases of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. The asbestos type most closely connected to mesothelioma has small, needle-like fibers that, once inhaled, puncture the lungs and slowly work their way through the tissue until they are lodged in the lining of the lung. Once asbestos is lodged in the mesothelium, they can create inflammation and cause the cells to mutate, thus forming cancer.

Diagnosis of Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma:

Individuals who begin to experience mesothelioma symptoms should seek medical attention right away. The sooner doctors can begin their diagnostic tests, the better chance of survival. This is especially true for anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure.

Diagnosing this cell type is difficult because these tumors tend to mimic other benign and malignant conditions in appearance. When pathologists examine these tissue samples under a microscope, the cells resemble those of sarcoma tumors and localized fibrous tumors of the pleura. Because of the aggressive nature of this tumor type, the prognosis is not as favorable as other cell types, and treatment options are not as plentiful. The poor survival rates associated with this cell type make accurate diagnosis even more imperative.

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Subtypes

There are several subtypes of sarcomatoid mesothelioma.

Lymphohistiocytoid

This biphasic (but prominently sarcomatoid) form of mesothelioma consists primarily of a bundle of immune cells.

Desmoplastic

This essentially sarcomatoid cell-type is described as “bland.” It is frequently misdiagnosed as a benign fibroid.

Heterologous

The rarest of the rare, these cell-types are different than the tissues in which the cancer is formed, for instance, bone cells may be found in tumors not attached to the bone.

Osteosarcomatous

Exceedingly rare, this mesothelioma cell-type is made of bone cells.

Chondrosarcomatous

These spindle cells are from cartilage.

Vancouver Asbestos Removal offers these services:

• Asbestos Testing
• Asbestos Removal
• Mold (Mould) Removal
• Lead Removal
• Insulation Removal & Replacement

Contact Vancouver Asbestos Removal for any Asbestos related issues.