Sarcomatoid mesothelioma refers to a type of cell commonly associated with this rare form of asbestos related cancer. Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the protective layer of cells that lines the internal walls of the body cavity and surrounds all of the organs within it. This layer of cells, the mesothelium, may develop sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells that multiply and become malignant mesothelioma cancer. After years of prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers, people who have ingested, swallowed, or somehow introduced the mineral’s dust into their blood stream may be at risk for developing the cancer.
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma accounts for approximately 15% of mesothelioma in confirmed cases. These types of cells are less common to mesothelioma cases than epithelioid mesothelioma cells, which are present in 70% of mesothelioma. Some cases contain both types of cells; this diagnosis is known as “biphasic” mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma presents a sub-type of mesothelioma known as desmoplastic sarcomatoid mesothelioma.
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells may be present in any one of the four types of malignant mesothelioma that can occur in the body cavity.
- Pleural Mesothelioma – Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells can multiply in the mesothelium surrounding the lungs and the lining that covers the chest walls. This part of the mesothelium is known as the pleura, so this type of cancer is known as “pleural mesothelioma”. This is the most common type of mesothelioma, diagnosed in 75% of all cases.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma – Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells can also develop in the mesothelium surrounding the organs in the abdomen and the lining that covers the abdominal walls. This part of the mesothelium is known as the peritoneum, so this type of cancer is known as “peritoneal mesothelioma”. This type of mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma – Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells may develop in the mesothelium surround the heart and other nearby structures. This part of the mesothelium is known as the pericardium or pericardial sac, so this type of cancer is known as “pericardial mesothelioma”. Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma and is not often reported.
- Tunica Vaginalis Mesothelioma – Finally, sarcomatoid cells can develop in the mesothelium surrounding the testes. This part of the mesothelium is known as the tunica vaginalis, so thus type of cancer is known as “tunica vaginalis mesothelioma”. This type of mesothelioma is even rarer than pericardial mesothelioma and is very marginal, statistically speaking.
A sarcoma cell is any malignant cancer cell that is not an epithelial type of cell. (Epithelial cells separate parts of the body, such as the cells that compose the mesothelium, separating an organ from other organs.) A sarcoma may form in the connective tissues, as well.
Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Causes
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells are thought to be caused by a healthy cells exposure to an asbestos fiber. Over a period of many years (or in high concentrations) asbestos dust exposes workers to the mineral fibers that can become lodged inside the body. Whether they are inhaled, swallowed, or get into the bloodstream, these fibers cause cell damage to fester over a period of decades.
Medical experts theorize that as time passes, the fibers cause healthy cells to mutate into cancer cells. However, many other factors are involved in the development of cancer. While asbestos fibers are the most common link between all cases of mesothelioma, genetics, other medical conditions, and overall health are probably key factors in determining if a person who has been exposed to asbestos will actually develop mesothelioma.
Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Symptoms
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells can cause symptoms after a long period of development, during which the cells multiply to form tumors. The general symptoms of cancer are lethargy or fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma tumors can cause severe symptoms if they develop in sensitive locations such as those near blood vessels, nerves, the throat, or near bowel passages. More commonly, however, they cause symptoms only when they’ve grown to be quite large.
The specific type of symptoms that will occur as sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells develop vary greatly based on the location of the tumor.
If sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells grow in the pleura (found in the chest), the symptoms of late stage cancer may include:
- Pleurisy (pain when breathing or difficulty breathing)
- Chest Pain
- Dry, sometimes painful, coughing
- Breathlessness or shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue, lethargy and weakness
- Back Pain
- Unexplained\unplanned weight loss
- Fever\Sweating
- Hoarse voice
- Swelling in the face, arms, neck (upper extremities)
If sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells grow in the peritoneum (found in the abdomen) the symptoms of late stage cancer may include:
- Abdominal pain caused by swelling and blocked vessels, passages.
- Abdominal swelling caused by effusion or blockages.
- Weight loss caused by inability to process nutrients, digestion problems, and loss of appetite due to pain or therapies.
- Lumps or Bumps just beneath the skin on the abdomen, cause by the presence of superficial tumors.
If sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells grow in the pericardium (around the heart), the symptoms of late stage cancer may include:
- Irregular Heart Beat
- Pain in the Chest
- Heart Murmurs
- Fatigue\Weakness
- Fever, Chills, and Sweating
- Labored or difficult breathing, even when not physically active
- Shortness of breath that is worse when lying down
Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Like cells types in all cancers, sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells must be viewed under a microscope. Therefore, to properly diagnose sarcomatoid mesothelioma a doctor must extract a small sample of tumor tissue for detailed examination. Under a microscope, sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells appear to be elongated and over or spindle shaped cells. There is not a clearly defined nucleus.
A sub-type of sarcomatoid mesothelioma may also be detected under a microscope. Desmoplastic sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells are rare and usually happen only when there is also a condition known as “dense collagenized stroma” in which 50% of the normal tissues and fibers are replaced with collagen by the body.
The presence of either of these cell types makes the mesothelioma diagnosis easier for doctors, but patients should always share any known history with exposure to asbestos. (Early detection is the key to a good survival rate.)
Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Treatment
Treatment for sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells is similar to the treatment of many other types of cancers. Surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation, is the preferred method of treatment. At early stages, these treatments can be effective. However, there are alternatives that are less harmful to the body than chemotherapy and radiation. New techniques involving light sensitive agents may be utilized in a process known as photodynamic therapy.
Immunotherapy and gene therapy are also promising medical treatments for sarcomatoid mesothelioma.
