Deciduoid Mesothelioma

Deciduoid mesothelioma is a rare subtype of mesothelioma, cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It is significantly different from other mesothelioma types and occurs primarily in women.

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About Deciduoid Mesothelioma

Epithelial mesothelioma is the most common cell type of mesothelioma. Deciduoid mesothelioma is a unique form of the epithelial mesothelioma cell type. Deciduoid cells resemble the cell transformation that takes place during early pregnancy.

The lining in the uterus (during pregnancy) that assists in forming the placenta is known as the decidua, which is where deciduoid mesothelioma gets its name.

The term deciduoid mesothelioma was first described in the 1980s, and so far, very few people have been diagnosed with this cell type. Initially, researchers thought that deciduoid mesothelioma only occurred in the peritoneum area, and only young women were affected.

However, as more research surfaced, evidence began to show that deciduoid elements were also found in the lung and heart area and among older males and older females.

A little less than half of all deciduoid mesothelioma form in the pleural area. Most of the remaining form in the peritoneal area and the least amount form in the pericardial region.

Deciduoid Mesothelioma Causes

Although hormonal changes and asbestos exposures are two guesses as to why deciduoid mesothelioma develops, experts still aren’t entirely sure of the cause.

It’s one of the only types of mesothelioma types that haven’t been definitely linked to asbestos. Only a third of all patients diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in the past.

Physicians who theorize that hormonal changes may be the reason for deciduoid mesothelioma base their reasonings on the fact that more than half of all diagnosed patients have been female, with a few of them pregnant.

Deciduoid Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose this type of mesothelioma with a series of tests just as any other form of mesothelioma. However, deciduoid mesothelioma resembles other diseases and even other tumors, such as pseudotumoral deciduosis. This makes it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis.

In addition, the features of the deciduoid cell type in tumors can be extremely small and isolated, to taking up most of the tumor.

In turn, many patients have been misdiagnosed with pseudotumoral deciduosis, which is a non-cancerous tumor that requires different treatment options. This can lead to disastrous consequences for the patient as they do not receive the prompt cancer treatment needed to battle the disease.

Deciduoid Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Treatment remains difficult for deciduoid mesothelioma. Those who’ve undergone aggressive surgery to battle the disease have not had much luck as cancer continued to progress. Physicians noticed that the same thing happened to patients who underwent surgery, followed by chemotherapy.

Consequently, most doctors aim for palliative treatment for deciduoid mesothelioma patients, meaning that the aim is to make the patient as comfortable as possible instead of trying to cure cancer.

What form of treatment works best for deciduoid mesothelioma patients is still unknown. For the most part, most medical experts agree that a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy offers the most favorable outcome.

Deciduoid Mesothelioma Prognosis

Unfortunately, the prognosis is usually grim for those with deciduoid mesothelioma. On average, the survival rate has been around six months after diagnosis.

Yet, since there are so few cases of the disease, future research results may have doctors formulate a better treatment plan that can help extend lives.

It’s also important to note that some patients may live longer than that average survival rate.

For instance, past studies indicate that around 30% of those with deciduoid mesothelioma may survive a year after treatment. In addition, there has been one confirmed patient who lived more than four years after being diagnosed with deciduoid mesothelioma.

Deciduoid mesothelioma is a rare and troubling diagnosis. If you have this type of cancer, talk to your doctors about your options.

Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. Keep in mind that if you have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for considerable compensation. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.