Papillary Mesothelioma

Papillary mesothelioma, also known as well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma (WDPM), is a form of mesothelioma marked by a slow growth pattern. It most often forms in the peritoneum in the abdomen. WDPM is often benign and less deadly than other mesothelioma types.

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WDPM Characteristics

Although there still isn’t sufficient data to determine the long-term effects of WDPM, experts are constantly researching the disease to uncover more information. Some studies suggest that WDPM may not even be caused by asbestos exposure.

For instance, according to the Journal of Dental and Medical Services (IOSR), most people who develop WDPM are women between 30 to 40 years of age who’ve never been exposed to asbestos.

Studies also show a correlation between WDPM and asbestos exposure, typically while at work, through second-hand exposure, or from household products. Experts hope to understand the disease better as more information develops.

The tumors most often develop in the peritoneal area, but scientists have discovered that the tumors can also develop on the lung’s linings, the heart, and reproductive organs.

WDPM Symptoms

Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma vary according to each person and where the tumors are. The majority of WDPM patients report there aren’t any symptoms. The few symptoms reported include:

• Pain in the abdomen or pleura due to fluid build-up
• Pelvic pain

Since symptoms are so rare, WDPM is typically found during surgery for other medical conditions unrelated to papillary mesothelioma.

WDPM Diagnosis

Since symptoms are so rare, WDPM is usually found during surgery or an exam for other conditions unrelated to papillary mesothelioma, such as a pelvic exam or an unrelated CT scan.

Although the tumors can be detected via a pelvic exam or CT scan, a biopsy is the only accurate way to diagnose papillary mesothelioma.

A biopsy entails a surgeon removing a piece of tissue from the area of the body where the tumor was detected. Once the tissue is removed, it’s sent to a lab, where a pathologist views the cells in the tissue under a specialized microscope.

WDPM Treatment

A combination of treatments can treat WDPM, just as any other form of mesothelioma.

Yet, with such little current information on the disease, physicians are still unsure which form of treatment works best. For now, the following are considered the most common types of treatments.

Cytoreductive Surgery

Exploratory laparotomy is sometimes performed before a patient undergoes cytoreductive surgery.

Exploratory laparotomy allows physicians to determine the extent and location of the tumors and, if necessary, schedule a cytoreductive surgery to remove the tumors.

Some physicians feel that an exploratory laparotomy is too risky to perform on a disease that’s still considered benign.

Cytoreductive surgery typically takes 10 to 12 hours, but most patients are admitted a day before testing, X-rays, and preparation.

When cytoreductive surgery is the only type of treatment, patients have stated that abdominal pressure and pain are greatly relieved. In combination with chemotherapy, patients have a better chance of eliminating more cancerous cells and prolonging their lifespan.

Chemotherapy

Surgery alone usually isn’t enough to effectively battle cancer cells, even with a disease that’s considered less invasive than other forms of mesothelioma. In some cases of WDPM, chemotherapy alone has been successful.

Carboplatin is the most common medication used for chemotherapy for those with WDMP and has proven to be effective in many instances. Some studies show that the disease never resurfaced after patients underwent chemotherapy with carboplatin.

Some patients receive a combination of surgery and chemotherapy, typically heated chemotherapy. This involves heating the medication to a little higher than the patient’s body temperature.

Known as the hot chemo approach (HIPEC), this form of chemotherapy works best for those with cancerous cells around the abdomen area.

WDPM Prognosis

People with WDPM generally have a better prognosis than those with any other type of mesothelioma.

According to the Journal of Medical Case Reports, several patients who underwent chemotherapy survived and have no trace of the cancer today.

In rare cases, some patients passed away within a few years after treatment. This is a striking difference between the survival rates of other types of mesothelioma, in which there is only a 5 to 50% chance that the patient will survive five years past diagnosis.

Since WDPM has a slow growth rate and typically doesn’t spread to other areas of the body, the outcome is favorable.

Even if cancer resurfaces, most people still have a strong chance of long-term survival as papillary mesothelioma’s subtype is epithelial mesothelioma, which is the easiest to treat. 

Talk to your medical team about the best treatment options and have all your questions about your diagnosis answered. A lawyer can also help if you believe you were exposed to asbestos in the past.

WDPM Legal Help

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. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.