Epithelioid Mesothelioma
Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common cell type, found in 50–70% of all mesothelioma cases. Epithelioid cells are uniform and well-defined, grow more slowly than other cell types, and respond best to treatment. Patients with epithelioid histology have the most favorable prognosis among all mesothelioma cell types.
Cell type (histology) is one of the most important prognostic factors in mesothelioma. Epithelioid cells grow in organized patterns, divide more slowly, and are less likely to spread aggressively compared to sarcomatoid cells. This makes them more responsive to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgical intervention.
Accurate identification of cell type requires biopsy with immunohistochemistry staining. This is critical because treatment recommendations vary significantly by cell type. Epithelioid patients are more likely to be candidates for aggressive surgical approaches like EPP or pleurectomy/decortication.
Patients diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma should discuss all available treatment options with a mesothelioma specialist, including clinical trials that may offer access to emerging therapies targeting this cell type specifically.
- Also known as
- Epithelial mesothelioma
- Category
- Medical
- Related terms
- Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma, Biphasic Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma, Immunohistochemistry, Prognosis
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