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Biphasic Pleural Mesothelioma

Biphasic mesothelioma, also known as “mixed” mesothelioma, is a combination of both epithelial and sarcomatoid cells. This type accounts for approximately 20 to 35 percent of all mesothelioma cases, making it more common than sarcomatoid, but less common than epithelial. Generally, patients with biphasic mesothelioma have a poorer life expectancy than those diagnosed with epithelial or sarcomatoid.

The cells of biphasic mesothelioma normally appear in groups within the tumor. In most cases, doctors will take several tissue samples from multiple locations in order to determine a correct diagnosis. These samples are best taken through a technique called a biopsy. Research has shown that biopsies are the most definite method for diagnosing mesothelioma.

Treatment Options

Treatment for biphasic pleural mesothelioma will vary from patient to patient. In all cases, the size, location and stage of the cancer will have a significant impact on the type of treatment a patient receives. The overall general health of a patient will also be evaluated before selecting a treatment regimen. Due to the nature of biphasic mesothelioma, treatment may need to be aggressive in order to have an effect on the cancer.

Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of all mesothelioma types. Those who were diagnosed decades ago may still be at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma due to the latency period associated with the disease. In many cases, symptoms may take as long as 50 years to arise from the time someone was initially exposed to asbestos. To ensure the best chances of combating the cancer, anyone who believes they were exposed should receive routine examinations to check for signs of asbestos exposure.

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