Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the rarest and most aggressive cell type, accounting for 10–20% of cases. Sarcomatoid cells are spindle-shaped and irregular, grow rapidly, and are more resistant to standard treatments. This cell type carries the poorest prognosis of all mesothelioma histological subtypes.
Sarcomatoid cells are difficult to treat because they grow rapidly, resist chemotherapy, and tend to spread (metastasize) earlier than epithelioid cells. The spindle-shaped cells can also be difficult to distinguish from other sarcomas and fibrous tissue disorders, making accurate diagnosis challenging.
Diagnosis requires careful pathological examination with immunohistochemistry staining to confirm the sarcomatoid cell type and rule out other cancers. Patients with this diagnosis should seek evaluation at a specialized mesothelioma center where pathologists have experience with this rare cell type.
Immunotherapy with nivolumab plus ipilimumab has shown particular promise for sarcomatoid mesothelioma patients, often outperforming traditional chemotherapy for this cell type. Clinical trials may offer additional treatment options. Explore your treatment options and legal rights.
- Also known as
- Sarcomatous mesothelioma
- Category
- Medical
- Related terms
- Epithelioid Mesothelioma, Biphasic Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma, Immunotherapy, Prognosis
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