Did You Know?
Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma cancer cell.
The most common and relatively treatable form of the cancer is Epithelioid mesothelioma. Between 50-70% of mesothelioma cases fall into this category, and this type is most likely to respond to treatment. In order to diagnose a case of epithelioid mesothelioma, a biopsy is required. Epithelioid Mesothelioma cancer is the most common type of mesothelioma cancer cell.
There are three categories of mesothelioma cancer cells:
The individual cells have a unique pattern. They are relatively uniform in shape with a tubular pattern and a distinct cell nucleus under high magnification. Other types of cancer can also take a similar form, and if these cancers appear in the mesothelium, then they can be confused with epithelioid mesothelioma. Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer often confused with epithelioid mesothelioma.
A biopsy I is needed to remove a section of suspect tissue for examination to determine a diagnosis.
Epithelioid Mesothelioma and Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is a type of epithelial cancer that originates in the body's glandular tissue. Adenocarcinoma often presents itself as a benign glandular tumor (adenoma) that develops into a malignant state over time.
Epithelioid mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma are both rooted in the epithelial tissue, and as such, have a similar cellular structure. Chemical staining of a section of suspect tissue will often yield the correct diagnosis; however, chemical staining of epithelioid mesothelioma cells and adenocarcinoma cells sometimes elicits similar results.
Knowledge of a family history can often help aid in distinguishing between adenocarcinoma and epithelioid mesothelioma. If a patient has a family history of carcinoma, it is more likely that they suffer from a variant of the disease. If a patient has a history of asbestos exposure, it is more likely that they suffer from epithelioid mesothelioma.
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