What Is Epithelioid Mesothelioma?
Epithelioid (or epithelial) mesothelioma is one of the three cell types of the rare cancer malignant mesothelioma. The other two mesothelioma cell types are sarcomatoid and biphasic.
Healthy epithelial cells typically develop from a type of tissue that forms as wounds heal, called granuloma. When these cells are exposed to asbestos fibers, however, they can mutate and form mesothelioma tumors.
Malignant epithelioid mesothelioma cancer generally responds well to treatment. Patients with this cell type tend to live longer than patients with biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma, provided that doctors can diagnose their cancer before it spreads.
Epithelioid Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of Epithelioid Pleural Mesothelioma | Symptoms of Epithelioid Peritoneal Mesothelioma |
---|---|
Chest pain | Abdominal pain |
Fatigue | Night sweats |
Shortness of breath | Unexplainable weight loss |
Fluid buildup in the chest (pleural effusions) | Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) |
Epithelioid mesothelioma is usually accompanied by mild and vague symptoms at first. Many times, the cancer is commonly mistaken for other health problems with similar symptoms, such as pneumonia or asthma.
“In many cases, a persistent cough is the first symptom that prompts a visit with a physician.”
– Moffitt Cancer Center
Mesothelioma symptoms become more obvious and severe as the cancer spreads. The earlier a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma, the better chances to treat the disease.