Describe the different cell types of malignant mesothelioma and relative rates of survival, and the different types/locations of mesothelioma and rate of occurrence.
Cell types:
Epithelioid: The most common (50-70 percent). Has the highest rate of survival of the three.
Sarcomatoid: 7-20 percent of diagnoses. More aggressive than, and has a lower rate of survival than, epithelioid mesothelioma.
Mixed/biphasic: 20-35 percent of diagnoses. Malignant tissue contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. Lower rate of survival than epithelioid.
There are also benign (noncancerous) tumors of the mesothelium, and these are also called mesothelioma.
Types:
Pleural: The most common (75 percent). Of the mesothelial tissue surrounding the lungs and lining the chest wall.
Peritoneal: Second-most common (10-20 percent). Of the mesothelial tissue surrounding the abdominal organs.
Pericardial: Of the mesothelial tissue surrounding the heart. Rare.
Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (in men) or and tunica serosa uteri (in women): Of the mesothelial tissue surrounding the male or female internal reproductive organs. Rare.