Epithelioid Mesothelioma

Epithelioid (or epithelial) mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma cell type and accounts for roughly 70% of all cases. Epithelial cells grow relatively slowly, making them easier to treat with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. For this reason, epithelial mesothelioma has the best prognosis and survival rate of all cell types.

Fact-Checked and Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Mark Levin

What Is Malignant Epithelioid Mesothelioma?

Epithelioid malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It is one of the three cell types of malignant mesothelioma. The other two mesothelioma cell types are sarcomatoid and biphasic.

Epithelial cells are a type of cell that lines the surfaces of your body. They are found on your skin, blood vessels, urinary tract, and organs. Healthy epithelial cells also typically develop from tissue that forms as wounds heal (granuloma).

However, epithelial cells can mutate into mesothelioma tumors after asbestos exposure.

Illustration showing characteristics of epithelial cells: cube shaped, clumped together, and a visible nucleus

Epithelioid cells have the following characteristics:

  • Adhere together in clumps
  • Clearly visible nucleus
  • Move slowly
  • Square, cubed, or flat-shaped

Malignant epithelioid mesothelioma cancer generally responds well to treatment. Patients with this cell type tend to live longer than those with biphasic or sarcomatoid cells, provided an experienced mesothelioma doctor can diagnose their cancer before it spreads.

We can help you find and connect with top epithelioid mesothelioma specialists. Use our Free Doctor Match today to get started.

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Epithelial Mesothelioma Symptoms

This cell type usually causes mild symptoms initially and is often mistaken for other health problems with similar symptoms, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

Signs and symptoms of epithelioid mesothelioma can vary depending on the location of the cancer in the body.

Patients with epithelioid pleural mesothelioma (which forms in the lining of the lungs, called the pleura) will have different symptoms than those with epithelioid peritoneal mesothelioma (which forms in the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum).

Symptoms of Epithelioid Pleural Mesothelioma

  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Fluid buildup in the chest (pleural effusions)
  • Shortness of breath

Symptoms of Epithelioid Peritoneal Mesothelioma

  • Abdominal pain
  • Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
  • Night sweats
  • Unexplainable weight loss

Mesothelioma symptoms become more evident and severe as the cancer spreads. That’s why getting a diagnosis as early as possible is critical.

Epithelioid Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Doctor examining an elderly male patient

Generally, a malignant epithelioid mesothelioma diagnosis begins when a patient complains of symptoms. Doctors will then follow several steps to see if epithelioid mesothelioma is causing the symptoms.

Learn more about the epithelial mesothelioma diagnosis process below.

1. Physical Examination

Most doctors will first perform a physical examination to determine the cause of the symptoms.

Many symptoms of epithelioid mesothelioma can be mistaken for less severe and more common illnesses. A physical examination can help doctors rule out other conditions.

If you are showing signs of pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma, your doctor may ask you about any instances of asbestos exposure (the only known cause of this cancer).

2. Imaging Tests (X-Ray, MRI, CT)

If your doctor thinks you may have cancer based on your physical exam, they will use imaging tests to look for tumors, scar tissue, or other signs of cancer in the lungs or abdomen.

Imaging tests may include X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, CT (computed tomography) scans, or PET (positron emission tomography) scans.

Imaging tests are crucial because they can show where cancerous tumors are located in your body.

3. Blood Tests

Some doctors may order blood tests to diagnose epithelioid mesothelioma or look for other conditions.

Through these tests, doctors will look at specific biomarkers (levels of certain substances within the blood) which may mean that cancer is present. This helps doctors distinguish mesothelioma cells from cells of other similar illnesses and avoid misdiagnosis.

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the diagnostic process for epithelioid mesothelioma should include immunohistochemistry staining, a biomarker test. This allows doctors to look for specific proteins (such as calretinin) and other signs of mesothelioma cancer.

4. Fluid or Surgical Biopsy

If your doctor find signs of cancer in imaging and blood tests, they will order a biopsy.

A biopsy is the only way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. Doctors will collect small fluid or tissue samples from possibly cancerous tissue through a tiny needle and examine it under a microscope to see if mesothelioma cells are present. The most reliable type of biopsy is a surgical biopsy, where a piece of a potentially cancerous tumor is removed for examination.

Once the doctor confirms the presence of mesothelioma, they can see if the cells are epithelioid.

Need to confirm an epithelioid mesothelioma diagnosis? Get help connecting with local specialists using our Free Doctor Match.

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Epithelioid Mesothelioma Prognosis

Patients with this cell type typically have a life expectancy of 1-2 years following their diagnosis.

Epithelioid mesothelioma generally has a better prognosis (expected outcome of a disease) than the sarcomatoid and biphasic cell subtypes since epithelial cells spread fairly slowly.

The table below details epithelioid patient survival compared to the other cell types.

Mesothelioma Cell TypeMedian Survival
Epithelioid14 months
Sarcomatoid4 months
Biphasic10 months

Factors such as the patient’s age, cancer stage, and mesothelioma type can also affect their survival time. Specialists consider all of these factors when determining a patient’s prognosis and deciding on the best treatment options to help them achieve long-term survival.

Early treatment can improve an epithelial mesothelioma prognosis.

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Types of Mesothelioma Treatment

Like all forms of this cancer, epithelial mesothelioma is usually treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or other treatments.

Epithelial cells are more responsive to aggressive mesothelioma treatments than other cell types.

Learn more about the different types of treatment for epithelioid mesothelioma below.

Surgery

Removing tumors through surgery is the most effective way to treat epithelioid mesothelioma, as most or all visible signs of the cancer are removed.

Patients with the epithelioid cell type are more likely to qualify for mesothelioma surgery than those with sarcomatoid cells or biphasic tumors.

Common surgeries for patients with epithelioid mesothelioma include:

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Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for epithelioid mesothelioma is administered intravenously to stop cancer cells from spreading. Patients will typically need multiple rounds of mesothelioma chemotherapy.

Common chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma include:

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is administered by a machine that delivers high-energy waves to the tumor site, which causes the epithelioid mesothelioma cells to die and the tumors to shrink.

Radiation may be used to supplement a surgery or as a main treatment if surgery is not an option.

Multimodal Therapy

Mesothelioma treatments are often combined in what’s known as multimodal therapy for the best results.

Research has shown that multimodal treatment can improve the long-term survival rates of epithelioid mesothelioma patients.

Did You Know?

According to a 2017 study, patients with epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma who received a combination of extrapleural pneumonectomy surgery (EPP), chemotherapy, and radiation lived for 23 months on average.

Emerging Mesothelioma Treatment Options

In addition to the traditional cancer treatment methods, epithelial mesothelioma patients may also get other types of treatment.

Patients with this cell type can access promising new mesothelioma treatment options through clinical trials, which test emerging treatments to improve survival rates and find a cure.

Emerging treatment options such as gene therapy and cryotherapy are becoming more accessible for mesothelioma patients thanks to clinical trials.

Further, mesothelioma immunotherapy was recently approved as a first-line treatment for pleural mesothelioma after it was shown to improve patient survival in clinical trials.

Learn about patients who have increased their survival time by several years in our Free Mesothelioma Survivors Guide.

Rare Types of Epithelial Mesothelioma Cells

There are several subtypes of epithelioid mesothelioma. Some of these subtypes are extremely rare and may even be non-cancerous (benign).

These subtypes grow at different speeds and respond differently to treatments. Identifying a patient’s epithelioid mesothelioma subtype provides oncologists with a more accurate prognosis.

Rare subtypes of epithelioid mesothelioma include:

  • Adenoid cystic mesothelioma: These rare and often benign mesothelioma cells do not spread to distant areas of the body.
  • Adenomatoid mesothelioma: This subtype generally originates within a patient’s genital glands and accounts for roughly 6% of epithelioid pleural mesothelioma cases.
  • Deciduoid mesothelioma: This subtype is characterized by its distinct borders and large oval shapes and often has a poor prognosis.
  • Papillary mesothelioma: These mesothelioma cells are more common in women than men and slow progressing.
  • Small-cell mesothelioma: This extremely rare subtype is often mistaken for other small-cell cancers.

Find Epithelioid Mesothelioma Treatment Near You Today

Epithelial mesothelioma patients may find hope in knowing this cell type typically responds well to treatments.

You may still have questions or concerns about seeking treatment if you are a victim of asbestos exposure who has been diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma.

Thankfully, there are specialists across the country who can help you get treatment for epithelial mesothelioma. These treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and more.

Get matched with a local epithelioid mesothelioma specialist for free today.

Epithelioid Mesothelioma FAQs

What is epithelioid pleural mesothelioma?

Epithelioid pleural mesothelioma is one of three cell types of mesothelioma in addition to sarcomatoid and biphasic. It generally has the best prognosis and survival rates of all cell types because the cells are flat and grow more slowly, allowing for more intervention with treatment.

What causes epithelioid mesothelioma?

The only known cause of epithelial mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a dangerous, naturally occurring mineral used for its durability from the 1930s to the early 1980s. Manufacturers of asbestos-based products knew the dangers but kept them a secret to continue making profits.

Unfortunately, many exposed to asbestos have developed mesothelioma as a result.

What is the life expectancy for epithelial mesothelioma?

The average life expectancy for epithelioid mesothelioma patients is 1-2 years after the initial diagnosis.

Thankfully, there are several treatment options available for epithelioid mesothelioma patients to extend their survival, such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy.

Where can I get treatment for epithelioid mesothelioma?

The best way to access epithelioid mesothelioma treatment is to work with a mesothelioma specialist. Doctors with experience treating others with your condition can provide quality care to help you fight your disease.

What is the survival rate of epithelial mesothelioma?

The 2-year and 5-year survival rates for pleural epithelioid mesothelioma patients treated with an EPP, chemotherapy, and radiation are as follows:

  • 2-year survival rate: 65%
  • 5-year survival rate: 27%

However, it’s important to note that factors such as age, cancer stage, and overall health can all affect a patient’s survival.

What are the stages of epithelioid mesothelioma?

There are four stages of epithelioid pleural mesothelioma. Staging is based on how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. It has a direct effect on what treatments are available to patients.

In stage 1, the cancer is contained to the lining of the lung and is easier to treat with surgery and chemotherapy. By the time the cancer has advanced to stage 4, tumors have spread to distant areas of the body and may not be able to be surgically removed.

Reviewed by:Dr. Mark Levin

Certified Oncologist and Hematologist

  • Fact-Checked
  • Editor

Mark Levin, MD has over 30 years of experience in academic and community hematology and oncology. In addition to serving as Chief or Director at four different teaching institutions throughout his life, he is also still a practicing clinician, has taught and designed formal education programs, and has authored numerous publications in various fields related to hematology and oncology.

Dr. Mark Levin is an independently paid medical reviewer.

  • Board Certified Oncologist
  • 30+ Years Experience
  • Published Medical Author
Written by:

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 15 years of professional experience. She attended college at the University of Florida, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008. Her writing has been featured in The Gainesville Sun and other regional publications throughout Florida.

References
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  2. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Surgery for Malignant Mesothelioma. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/treating/surgery.html
  3. Balduyck, B., MD, et al. (2010). Therapeutic surgery for nonepithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma: Is it really worthwhile? Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 89(3), 907-911. Retrieved May 22, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16253022/
  4. Disease Dynamic Trial Listing Page. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/disease/mesothelioma/treatment
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  7. Mesothelioma: Diagnosis. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/mesothelioma/diagnosis
  8. Mesothelioma: Types of Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/mesothelioma/types-treatment
  9. Meyerhoff, Robert Ryan et al. “Impact of mesothelioma histologic subtype on outcomes in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.” The Journal of surgical research vol. 196,1 (2015): 23-32. doi:10.1016/j.jss.2015.01.043. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25791825/
  10. Mott, F. E. (2012). Mesothelioma: A review. The Ochsner Journal, 12(1), 70-79. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3307510/
  11. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/sarcomatoid-carcinoma
  12. Stevers, M., et al. (2019). Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma of the peritoneum is genetically defined by mutually exclusive mutations in TRAF7 and CDC42. Modern Pathology: An Official Journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc, 32(1), 88-99. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30171198/
  13. Sugarbaker, D. J., et al. (1996). Extrapleural pneumonectomy in the multimodality therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Results in 120 consecutive patients. Annals of surgery, 224(3), 288–296. https://doi.org/10.1097/00000658-199609000-00005. Retrieved May 22, 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1235368/
  14. Swedish Cancer Institute (Director). (2010, September 29). Mesothelioma and Malignant Pleural Issues [Video file]. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJr71tbBnpI
  15. Van Zandwijk, N., et al. (2013). Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Journal of Thoracic Disease, 5(6), E254-E307. Retrieved May 22, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3886874/

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