Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma

Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is the rarest subtype of mesothelioma, accounting for less than 1% of diagnosed asbestos cancer cases. Lymphohistiocytoid tumors contain inflammatory immune cells, white blood cells, and histiocytes. It is easy to misdiagnose this cancer as the more common lymphoma.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with 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 get a free Financial Compensation Packet. You’ll learn about the experienced mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file a claim for the asbestos trust funds, and more.

About Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma

Lymphohistiocytoid tumors have bundles of inflammatory immune cells, white blood cells, and histiocytes. They also can have mixtures of epithelioid cells.

Patients with mixtures of epithelioid cells sometimes have a more positive diagnosis and more favorable treatment.

Currently, there is not a lot of information on lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma. Because it is so rare, few patients have been studied. Instead, experts rely on the tumor characteristics to help provide a correct diagnosis.

Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Lymphohistiocytoid tumors, as mentioned earlier, typically have a large number of immune cells. This makes diagnosis difficult as it mimics other more common diseases.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that this form of mesothelioma has been misdiagnosed as ganglioneuroma, malignant lymphoma, and inflammatory pseudotumor.

To differentiate the tumors, doctors take samples during a biopsy so that pathologists can identify the cells. When studying the tumor sample, physicians look for a histological type that shows histiocytoid cells shaped like a spindle.

Most cells will be large and polygonal-shaped as well. White blood cells are generally found mixed into the cells. These characteristics, along with fluid buildup in the lungs and other related symptoms, help doctors confirm the diagnosis.

Full immunohistochemical staining of the cells is required before doctors can confirm a diagnosis. This process helps differentiate other cells that closely resemble each other.

Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma Symptoms and Treatment Options

Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma symptoms closely resemble pleural mesothelioma symptoms. Although these symptoms will vary according to each patient, the most common symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Chest congestion
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Pleural effusions (the buildup of fluids around the lungs)
• Small bumps and lumps under the skin, around the chest area
• Night sweats
• Fever
• Lower back pain

With such limited information on lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma, physicians usually rely on standards forms of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of all three.

Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma Prognosis

According to the American Journal of Clinical Pathology (AJCP), in the 1980s, early cases of lymphohistiocytic mesothelioma indicated that the prognosis was not favorable after several patients died within five months of treatment.

However, later studies conducted in the 2000s showed that with the right treatment, the survival rate for those with lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma can be extended until up to two years.

As with all cases of mesothelioma, however, it’s important to remember the survival rates vary significantly. Whereas one person may only survive five months, another patient may go on to live years with the right treatment, diet plan, exercise, and other healthy lifestyle choices.

Another study indicated that a few patients with lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma have lived more than five years after diagnosis.

If you have been diagnosed with any type of mesothelioma, talk to a lawyer about options. You can probably hold companies accountable for past asbestos exposure.

Additional Resources and Helpful Information

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’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for considerable compensation to help cover expenses for medical costs, as well as compensation for pain, suffering, and much more. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.