Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is an extremely rare cell subtype of mesothelioma, accounting for less than 1% of diagnosed asbestos cancer cases. Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is a type of sarcomatoid mesothelioma, which is aggressive and difficult to treat. It is easy to misdiagnose this cancer as the more common lymphoma.
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What Is Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma?
Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive, sarcomatoid type of mesothelioma. These tumors often contain inflammatory immune cells, white blood cells, and histiocytes. They sometimes also have some epithelioid cells.
About Mesothelioma Cell Types
Mesothelioma is often categorized by the location of tumors: pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial. It can also be categorized by cell type:
- Epithelioid – Cells that line the surfaces of organs and a less aggressive type of mesothelioma
- Sarcomatoid – Fibrous cancer cells of connective tissue and a more aggressive type of mesothelioma
- Biphasic – A mixture of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells
Most of the few cases of lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma diagnoses were sarcomatoid. More recent studies indicate that this type of mesothelioma might actually behave more like the epithelial type.
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells spread more readily than epithelial cells. In general, sarcomatoid mesotheliomas are more aggressive and have a poorer prognosis.
Diagnosing Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma
With so few cases, there is not much 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 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 are large and polygonal-shaped as well. White blood cells are generally found mixed into the cells. These characteristics and 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.
Misdiagnosis of Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma
Any rare cancer is likely to be misdiagnosed as something more common. Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma can be easily confused with lymphoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes, cells in the immune system.
Other cancers or tumors that lymphohistiocytoid might be misdiagnosed as include:
- Thymoma
- Lymphoepithelial carcinoma
- Ganglioneuroma
- Inflammatory pseudotumors
- Sarcomatoid lung cancer
Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma Symptoms
Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma symptoms closely resemble symptoms of other cell types of pleural mesothelioma. Early warning signs of pleural mesothelioma include:
- Chest pains
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
As mesothelioma progresses, these symptoms get worse, and new symptoms often arise:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Small bumps and lumps under the skin, around the chest area
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Lower back pain
Treating Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma
With such limited information on lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma, physicians usually rely on standard forms of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
Most patients benefit from multimodal therapy, a combination of two or more treatments. Surgery is the best option for extending life expectancy, but not all patients are good candidates for it, especially those with sarcomatoid mesothelioma.
Combinations of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and emerging treatments can help relieve symptoms. They may also extend a patient’s life expectancy.
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 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.
