Desmoplastic Mesothelioma

Desmoplastic mesothelioma is a cell subtype of this rare cancer. It is characterized by fibrous tissue and featureless cells. The prognosis for patients is generally not favorable, but many treatment options are available.

If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

About Desmoplastic Mesothelioma

Desmoplastic mesothelioma accounts for around 5% to 10% of all diagnosed mesothelioma cases. Its cell characteristics generally lack any pattern. This cell type develops in the pleura area or the abdominal area in most instances.

Desmoplastic tumors are around 50% fibrous, and with its lack of patterns, it’s difficult for doctors to detect. It is considered an aggressive type of cancer, and the earlier it’s caught, as with other types of asbestos diseases, the better the chances there are more favorable outcomes.

Desmoplastic Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Desmoplastic mesothelioma is diagnosed just like any other asbestos-related illness. Physicians will perform a biopsy in which a sample of the cancerous tumor is taken from the patient’s body. A pathologist will then examine it for cell features.

When diagnosing the desmoplastic subtype, doctors look for at least half of the tissues to be fibrous in nature, necrosis in certain areas, spindle-like cells attached to the lung lining or chest wall, and the presence of the p53 tumor suppressor gene protein.

In addition, physicians will typically administer an MRI scan or a CT scan, which can help identify the cells along the lung lining or chest wall. As mentioned earlier, this is important as the desmoplastic subtype can look patternless.

Desmoplastic Mesothelioma Symptoms and Treatment Options

Since desmoplastic mesothelioma tends to occur mainly in the pleural area, it can have the same symptoms as pleural mesothelioma, including:

• Chest congestion
• Coughing
• Fluid buildup in the lungs
• Rib and/or back pain
• Chest pain
• Night sweats
• Fever
• Weakness and fatigue

Currently, physicians usually offer palliative treatment for this type of mesothelioma. Palliative treatments help ease side effects and symptoms, make the patient more comfortable, and help the quality of life, as opposed to trying to cure the cancerous tumors.

Traditional mesothelioma treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation are generally used to relieve pressure from the lung area and help reduce tumors.

Curative treatment generally isn’t provided for this type of mesothelioma, and in turn, most patients will not undergo aggressive surgery to attempt to cure tumorous cancer.

Desmoplastic Mesothelioma Prognosis

Desmoplastic mesothelioma has a grim prognosis. Medical experts indicate that the average survival for patients with desmoplastic mesothelioma is less than a year after diagnosis.

However, this is a rare subtype, and more information is needed for doctors to formulate a favorable treatment plan that can help extend survival rates.

Studies show that most desmoplastic are in the category of sarcomatoid cancer, which has an extremely low survival rate.

If you received a diagnosis of desmoplastic mesothelioma, talk to your doctors about treatment options. Also, consider talking to an asbestos attorney about your legal rights.

Resources and Help for Asbestos Victims

Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for considerable compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and much more. For additional assistance or for any pertinent questions, contact us toll-free at 800-793-4540.