Epithelioid Mesothelioma

Epithelioid mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and has a better prognosis than mesothelioma of other cell types. Life expectancy for this diagnosis is one to two years with treatment.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you might be entitled to substantial compensation. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more. 

What Is Epithelioid Mesothelioma?

Epithelial cells are usually healthy and can be found throughout your body, including the hair, skin, and eyes. Inhaled asbestos can damage these cells, causing them to become malignant.

The good news is that people with epithelioid mesothelioma often have a better prognosis and more treatment options than those with sarcomatoid or biphasic cell types.

Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease and accounts for around 60% of all diagnosed mesothelioma patients. The majority of people who develop epithelioid mesothelioma are males over 45 years of age who’ve been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.

The epithelial cells have a unique structure. They are long, egg-like cells that are clearly defined and different from mesothelioma cells types.

Epithelial cells tend to stick together after growing, so the cancer progresses more slowly than with other cell types.

Epithelioid Mesothelioma Symptoms

Symptoms of epithelioid mesothelioma include:

• Shortness of breath
• Difficulties in breathing
• Chest pain
• Fluid buildup in the chest area
• Chronic coughing
• Weight loss

Epithelioid Mesothelioma Diagnosis

The first way to diagnose epithelioid is to find its unique cell type. Epithelial cells have a unique design that differentiates them from other cell types.

Doctors usually do a biopsy or thoracoscopy. A pathologist can then view cells under a powerful microscope to identify cell types.

If the cancerous epithelial cells are found during the thoracoscopy or biopsy, immunohistochemistry is generally the next step.

Immunohistochemistry detects antigens (proteins) with a staining process that marks the cancerous epithelioid cells. Once the cells are confirmed, the diagnosis is complete.

Epithelioid Mesothelioma Treatment

Treatment for epithelioid mesothelioma follows the same protocol for other types of mesothelioma treatments, which may include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or combinations of them all.

Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) surgery is one of the most effective treatments for epithelioid pleural mesothelioma and can significantly extend a patient’s life expectancy.

Not everyone will qualify for EPP surgery due to its invasiveness. Age, stage of the disease, and overall physical with be assessed in-depth.

A pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) is another form of surgery that may be an option. A P/D is typically reserved for epithelioid pleural mesothelioma patients whose cancerous tumors haven’t spread past the pleural area yet.

Epithelioid Mesothelioma Long-Term Outlook

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), people with epithelioid mesothelioma have a better prognosis than other mesothelioma cell types.

Although the median survival rate is between 8 to 14 months, studies have shown that many people diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma have gone on to live for over five years.

Talk to your medical team about your diagnosis so you can get all your questions answered. Consider talking to a lawyer as well, who can explain your legal options after past asbestos exposure.

Additional Help and Resources for Epithelioid Mesothelioma Patients

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.