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malignant epithelial mesothelioma

Description

Malignant Epithelioid Mesothelioma: A Rare and Aggressive Cancer

Malignant epithelioid mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the pleura, the lining surrounding the lungs and chest cavity. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which can lead to the development of malignant cells in the epithelial tissue.

Characteristics:

  • Most common subtype: Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 50-70% of all mesothelioma cases, making it the most common cell type associated with this cancer.
  • Aggressive and deadly disease: Malignant epithelioid mesothelioma is a highly aggressive and deadly form of cancer, with a poor prognosis for patients diagnosed with this condition.
  • Caused by asbestos exposure: Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of malignant epithelioid mesothelioma, which can lead to the development of malignant cells in the epithelial tissue.

Symptoms:

  • Pleural symptoms: Patients with malignant epithelioid mesothelioma often experience pleural symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing.
  • Weight loss and fatigue: As the cancer progresses, patients may experience weight loss and fatigue due to the tumor's impact on their overall health.

Treatment Options:

  • Surgery: Surgical options are limited for malignant epithelioid mesothelioma, as the cancer often spreads beyond the initial site of diagnosis.
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a common treatment option for this type of cancer, which can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
  • Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy may also be used to treat malignant epithelioid mesothelioma, particularly in cases where the cancer has spread beyond the pleura.

References:

  • [2] Epithelioid (epithelial) mesothelioma is a subtype of mesothelioma cancer, an aggressive and deadly disease caused by exposure to asbestos.
  • [3] Epithelioid mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos. It accounts for 50% to 70% of all cases, making it the most common mesothelioma cell type.
  • [6] Malignant epithelioid mesothelioma, like all other types of mesothelioma, is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos can release microscopic fibers that can lead to cancerous changes in the epithelial tissue.
  • [9] Epithelioid mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It

Additional Characteristics

  • Malignant epithelioid mesothelioma
  • Epithelioid (epithelial) mesothelioma
  • malignant epithelioid mesothelioma
  • Epithelioid mesothelioma

Signs and Symptoms

Common Signs and Symptoms of Malignant Epithelial Mesothelioma

Malignant epithelial mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, can present with various symptoms depending on the location and stage of the disease. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

  • Pleural mesothelioma: Symptoms may include shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, coughing, and fluid buildup in the lungs.
  • Peritoneal mesothelioma: Symptoms may include abdominal pain, swelling, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea or constipation, and fever.
  • General symptoms: Fever, night sweats, weakness, unintended weight loss, and a general feeling of being unwell (malaise) are also common.

Symptoms May Vary Depending on the Type and Stage

The presence and severity of symptoms depend on various factors, including:

  • The type of mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal, etc.)
  • The stage at diagnosis
  • A patient's overall health and age

It is essential to note that many early symptoms may be mistaken for common ailments or ignored. If you have been exposed to asbestos and experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a specialist promptly.

References:

  • [1] Malignant epithelioid mesothelioma can present with a variety of symptoms depending on where the cancer develops.
  • [3] The presence and severity of symptoms also depend on a patient’s overall health, age, the cell type and the stage at diagnosis.
  • [5] Non-specific symptoms that usually indicate the possibility of epithelial mesothelioma include nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and ...
  • [8] Mesothelioma symptoms include pain, loss of appetite, fever and sweating. Other symptoms vary depending on the type, location and stage of your mesothelioma.
  • [9] Symptoms of mesothelioma · tummy pain or swelling · feeling or being sick · loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss · diarrhoea or constipation.
  • [10] Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the cancer occurs.

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic Tests for Malignant Epithelial Mesothelioma

Malignant epithelial mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, can be challenging to diagnose. However, various diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence of this disease.

  • Imaging Tests: The diagnostic process typically begins with imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, or MRIs. These tests help identify tumors or abnormalities in the chest and abdominal regions [1][2].
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions, but they are not helpful in diagnosing mesothelioma [5].
  • Biopsy: A biopsy is essential for confirming a mesothelioma diagnosis. Imaging scans alone cannot diagnose cancer; only a biopsy can confirm the presence of malignant epithelial mesothelioma [5][6].

Additional Tests

Once a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, additional tests may be recommended to determine the extent of the cancer and its spread to other areas of the body. These tests include:

  • CT scans of the chest and abdomen: To assess the extent of the cancer and identify any metastases [11].
  • PET scans: To evaluate the spread of the disease and monitor treatment response [8].

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. Determining the type of mesothelioma (epithelial, sarcomatoid, or biphasic) helps guide treatment decisions [9].

Treatment

Treatment Options for Malignant Epithelial Mesothelioma

Malignant epithelial mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen, can be challenging to treat. However, various treatment options are available to manage the disease.

  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a common treatment approach for malignant epithelial mesothelioma. It involves using anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. According to search result [2], chemotherapy is used in many different ways to treat mesothelioma.
  • Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to target specific genes or proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Search result [15] mentions dasatinib, a multitargeted Src kinase/PDGFR inhibitor, which has shown antitumor activity against malignant epithelial mesothelioma patients in phase II clinical trials.
  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is another treatment option for malignant epithelial mesothelioma. Search result [6] mentions two immunotherapy drugs approved to treat epithelioid pleural mesothelioma: nivolumab (Opdivo) and ipilimumab (Yervoy).
  • Multimodality Treatment: Multimodality treatment involves combining different types of treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Search result [4] mentions that multimodality treatment is one of the options for managing malignant mesothelioma.

Survival Rates

While these treatment options can help manage malignant epithelial mesothelioma, survival rates vary depending on several factors, including the stage of cancer, overall health, and response to treatment. Search result [9] mentions that chemotherapy can triple the mesothelioma survival rate, while immunotherapy can extend survival to 18 months for many patients.

Recommendations

Search result [14] recommends performing a thoracoscopic biopsy before starting antineoplastic treatment to enhance clinical staging, confirm histologic diagnosis, and determine the pathologic subtype of mesothelioma.

Recommended Medications

  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted Therapy
  • Multimodality Treatment

💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis of Malignant Epithelial Mesothelioma

Malignant epithelial mesothelioma, a subtype of mesothelioma, can be challenging to diagnose due to its potential to mimic other conditions. The differential diagnosis for this type of cancer includes:

  • Metastatic lung adenocarcinoma: This is the primary differential diagnosis for epithelioid MPM (malignant pleural mesothelioma). Immunohistochemical panels should include markers such as calretinin, WT1, and D2-40 to differentiate between the two conditions [7].
  • Reactive mesothelial cells (RMs): RMs can be difficult to distinguish from malignant mesotheliomas (MMs) in cytologic preparations. However, RMs typically have a more uniform appearance and are often associated with a benign clinical context [8].
  • Adenocarcinomas: Adenocarcinomas can also be considered in the differential diagnosis of epithelioid MPM. The presence of glandular or tubular structures may suggest adenocarcinoma, but immunohistochemical markers such as calretinin and WT1 can help differentiate between the two conditions [8].
  • Other non-epithelial tumors: Rarely, the morphologic differential diagnosis for malignant mesothelioma includes non-epithelial tumors, such as mesenchymal, hematologic, or melanocytic lesions. In these cases, a panel of mesothelial and epithelial markers may be confusing or misleading [13].

Key Points

  • Malignant epithelial mesothelioma can be challenging to diagnose due to its potential to mimic other conditions.
  • Metastatic lung adenocarcinoma is the primary differential diagnosis for epithelioid MPM.
  • Immunohistochemical panels, including markers such as calretinin and WT1, can help differentiate between malignant epithelial mesothelioma and metastatic lung adenocarcinoma.
  • Reactive mesothelial cells and adenocarcinomas should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of malignant epithelial mesothelioma.

References

[7] G Alì. The primary differential diagnosis for epithelioid MPM is metastatic lung adenocarcinoma; in this case, the immunohistochemical panel should include the markers calretinin and WT1. [8] R. Mesenchymal, hematologic, or melanocytic lesions can be considered in the differential diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. [13] Rarely, the morphologic differential diagnosis for malignant mesothelioma includes non-epithelial tumors.

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