Transcript: The Three Types of Mesothelioma: Epithelioid, Sarcomatoid, and Mixed
Duration: 0:53 · Published April 14, 2026
0:53
Summary
A mesothelioma specialist explains the three main cell types — epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic (mixed) — and why about 40% of tumors contain multiple cell types, which can affect treatment decisions and lead to misdiagnosis.
Key Points
- There are three main cell-type families of mesothelioma: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic (mixed).
- Epithelioid is the most common type and typically responds best to treatment.
- Sarcomatoid is more aggressive and harder to treat.
- About 40% of epithelioid tumors actually contain other cell types, which can affect treatment response and lead to misdiagnosis if not detected.
Full Transcript
There are many different types of cells in mesothelioma. There are three predominant families, as we call them: the epithelioid type, the sarcomatoid type, and one in the middle which we call mixed — sometimes biphasic — with two types of cells.
Interestingly enough, when we analyze our epithelioid-type mesotheliomas, about 40% of them have other types of cells within their tumor as well, leading to either mistreatment, early recurrence, or misdiagnosis.
So those are the three families: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and in between, the mixed type.
About This Transcript
This transcript has been lightly edited from the automatic captioning for readability and accuracy. The speaker is a mesothelioma physician; medical opinions expressed are the speaker's own and are provided for educational purposes. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified mesothelioma specialist about your specific situation.
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