Small Cell Mesothelioma

Small cell mesothelioma is a rare subtype of mesothelioma, in which the cancerous cells in the tumors are smaller than cells in other types of the disease. Because it is so rare, doctors often mistake it for small cell lung cancer.

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About Small Cell Mesothelioma

Small cell mesothelioma is generally classified as an epithelial cell subtype of malignant mesothelioma. It is less common than other cell subtypes. Less than 6% of all mesothelioma tumors are small cells.

Small cells usually contain normal mesothelioma cells, along with other cell subtypes. To qualify as small cell mesothelioma, at least half of the cells in the mesothelioma tumor must be of the small cell type and characteristics.

Characteristics of Small Cell Mesothelioma

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

Small cell mesothelioma looks like small cell carcinoma, yet without the ribbon patterns that are prevalent throughout carcinoma. In addition, the majority of small cell tumors develop in the abdominal area. They may also develop in the pleura around the lungs.

Small Cell Mesothelioma Diagnosis

It’s difficult for physicians to correctly diagnose small cell mesothelioma. As mentioned earlier, small cell mesothelioma can look very similar to other small cell subtypes.  

Doctors generally run immunohistochemical tests, which will stain the cell types and help tell the differences with each cell type.

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 making an accurate diagnosis of 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 Treatment

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 any other type of cancer.

The usual treatments consist of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of all three. More research and studies are needed to determine the best course of treatment.

Small Cell Mesothelioma Prognosis

NIH indicated that the average survival time of small cell mesothelioma patients, according to a study of seven patients, including six men and one woman, is a little over eight months.

However, 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, levels of stress, age, and how quickly treatment starts all play a 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

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