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Home / Mesothelioma Cancer Guide / Types of Mesothelioma / Small Cell Mesothelioma

Small Cell Mesothelioma

Page Updated on September 08, 2023
Paul Danziger Page Reviewed and Edited by Mesothelioma Attorney Paul Danziger

Small cell mesothelioma is a rare subtype of epithelioma mesothelioma. The tumor cells are smaller than cells in the tumors of other mesothelioma types. Small cell lung cancer is a common misdiagnosis for small cell mesothelioma.

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. 

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What Is Small Cell Mesothelioma?

Small cell mesothelioma is a rare epithelial cell subtype of malignant mesothelioma. It is less common than other cell subtypes. Less than 6% of all mesothelioma tumors contain small cells.

Small cell mesothelioma tumors usually contain a mixture of cell types, with at least 50% small cells. The small cells are round, uniform, and small but with a large nucleus.

The few cases of small cell mesothelioma reported in the literature included both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Many, but not all, of the patients studied had past asbestos exposure.

Characteristics of Small Cell Mesothelioma

Small cell mesothelioma cells are round, all similar in appearance, and contain a distinguishable single, large nucleus in each cell.

Small cell mesothelioma looks like small cell carcinoma, yet without the ribbon patterns that are prevalent throughout carcinoma. According to one case study, mesothelioma small cell tumors have specific features:

  • Large nuclei
  • Minimal cytoplasm around the nuclei
  • Infrequent mitosis (cell division)
  • Powdery chromatin

Pathologists use characteristics like these to identify small cells during a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Symptoms of Small Cell Mesothelioma

When small cell mesothelioma forms in the pleural tissue, it causes these typical symptoms:

  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pains

Symptoms of small cell peritoneal mesothelioma include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal swelling
  • A feeling of fullness
  • Unintentional weight loss or gain
  • Diarrhea or constipation

Diagnosing Small Cell Mesothelioma Diagnosis

It’s difficult for physicians to correctly diagnose small cell mesothelioma because it looks similar to other cell types and to small cell lung cancer.

After diagnosing mesothelioma, pathologists examine biopsy samples carefully for characteristics of cell types. They also use immunohistochemical tests, which identify markers specific to certain cancers and cell types.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an accurate diagnosis of small cell mesothelioma is possible with the following:

“We conclude that the accurate diagnosis of small cell mesothelioma is possible, provided that the clinical presentation is known, the tumour is adequately sampled and the microscopy carefully assessed.”

Physicians usually need to conduct and collect numerous samples before accurately diagnosing small cell mesothelioma. After the samples are collected and tested, they must test negative for other types of cells before an accurate diagnosis is made.

Small Cell Mesothelioma and Small Cell Lung Cancer

Small cell mesothelioma is often mistaken for small cell lung cancer. The similarity in cell type and the location of the tumors in the chest cavity make it difficult to distinguish this rare mesothelioma from a much more common lung cancer.

Making the correct diagnosis is essential for a patient to get the most appropriate and effective treatment. Small cell lung cancer is an aggressive type of lung cancer, but treatments are not exactly the same as for aggressive mesothelioma.

One study of 13 cases of small cell mesothelioma helped outline important differences between the two cancers. The researchers found that small cell lung cancer tumors have specific growth patterns lacking in mesothelioma. These include what they described as ribbons, rosettes, and streams.

Treating Small Cell Mesothelioma

Although there are not enough cases of small cell mesothelioma to have a detailed standard of treatment, most doctors approach it the way they would approach other types of epithelioid mesothelioma.

The usual treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination. The specific treatment plan depends significantly on individual patient factors.

Patients may qualify for surgery if small cell mesothelioma is diagnosed before it is too widespread. Surgery is usually combined with chemotherapy and sometimes radiation therapy.

Patients who do not qualify for surgery can benefit from chemotherapy and immunotherapy. They also benefit from palliative treatments to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Small Cell Mesothelioma Prognosis

Small cell mesothelioma is an epithelial mesothelioma, the least aggressive type of mesothelioma. Even so, the prognosis is often poor for small cell mesothelioma.

According to a study of seven patients, the average survival time of small cell mesothelioma patients is a little over eight months.

Keep in mind that, as with forms of mesothelioma, the long-term outlook can vary according to each patient. While some may live only eight months, others may go on to beat the standard prognosis and live for another year, another five years, and even longer.

Overall health, physical activity, stress levels, age, and how quickly treatment starts all factor in the long-term outlook.

In addition, more studies are needed on small cell mesothelioma, including favorable treatment options, which may change the median survival rate.

Small cell mesothelioma is a rare, uncommon diagnosis. Talk to your medical team to get more information and discuss treatment options.

Additional Resources and Helpful Information for 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. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540. 

FREE Financial Compensation Packet

  • Info on law firms that will recover your highest compensation
  • Learn how to get paid in 90 days
  • File for your share of $30 billion in trust funds
Send My Free Packet >
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Paul Danziger

Page Reviewed and Edited by Mesothelioma Attorney Paul Danziger

Paul Danziger grew up in Houston, Texas and earned a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago. For over 25 years years he has focused on representing mesothelioma cancer victims and others hurt by asbestos exposure. Paul and his law firm have represented thousands of people diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, recovering significant compensation for injured clients. Every client is extremely important to Paul and he will take every call from clients who want to speak with him. Paul and his law firm handle mesothelioma cases throughout the United States.

Full bio and contact info

References
  1. Cavazza, A., Rossi, G., Agostini, L., Facciolongo, N., De Marco, L., Putrino, I., and Gardini, G. (2002, October). Small-Cell Mesothelioma of the Pleura: Description of a Case. Pathologica. 94(5), 247-52.
    Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12417972
  2. Mayall, F.G. and Gibbs, A.R. (1992, January). The Histology and Immunohistochemistry of Small Cell Mesothelioma. Histopathology. 20(1), 47-51.
    Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1310669
  3. Zhang, Y., Afify, A., Gandour-Edwards, R.F., Bishop, J.W., and Huang, E.C. (2016, June). Small Cell Mesothelioma: A Rare Entity and Diagnostic Pitfall Mimicking Small Cell Lung Carcinoma on Fine-Needle Aspiration. Diagn. Cytopathol. 44(6), 526-9.
    Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26952387/
  4. Ordonez, N.G. (2012, January 6). Mesotheliomas with Small Cell Features: Report of Eight Cases. Modern Pathol. 25, 689-98.
    Retrieved from: https://www.nature.com/articles/modpathol2011202
View All References

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