What Are Mesothelioma Cell Types?
As part of the diagnostic process, malignant mesothelioma is further classified based on cellular structure. The three most common categories are:
- Epithelioid mesothelioma: Epithelioid cellular structure is the most common for malignant mesothelioma. Epithelioid cells are relatively uniform in shape.
- Sarcomatoid mesothelioma: The sarcomatoid cellular structure accounts for less than 15 percent of mesothelioma cancer cells, making it the least common type. Sarcomatoid cells are oval shaped and more irregular.
- Biphasic mesothelioma: The biphasic category refers to a combination of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cancer cells.
By understanding the histology (structure) of malignant mesothelioma, specialists are better able to diagnose the severity of the disease and map out a treatment plan.
How Does Asbestos Exposure Cause Lung Cancer?
Mesothelioma is not the only cancer caused by exposure to Asbestos. While 80% of lung cancer cases diagnosed in the United States are attributed to smoking cigarettes, 4% of cases are attributed to asbestos exposure. In fact, it can even be true that a case of lung cancer in a current or former smoker of cigarettes was caused by asbestos exposure and not tobacco.
Asbestos enters the lungs via inhalation and becomes permanent. In pleural mesothelioma it migrates into the pleura cells and over many decades causes cancer in the mesothelial cells. In lung cancer, it’s presence directly in the lung itself as an irritant that cannot be destroyed or expelled can cause lung cancer.
The Helsinki Criteria can be used to determine if lung cancer was caused by asbestos, looking at these factors:
- Latency (at least 10 years)
- Asbestos disease (do they have asbestosis?)
- Asbestos tissue (is there asbestos in their lung tissue?)
- Asbestos exposure (how much total exposure?)
To learn about the Helsinki Criteria, and how asbestos can cause lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers, click here to learn about lung cancer caused by asbestos.
How Are You Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is diagnosed by your doctor using one of many available tools. While symptoms and prior exposure combined can lead one to believe mesothelioma cancer is a possible culprit, the symptoms can match many other diseases. Once your doctor has confirmed symptoms, a mesothelioma diagnosis will need to be confirmed. Possible testing may include:
- X-rays
- MRIs
- CT scans
- Pet scans
- Fluid biopsy
- Tissue biopsy
To learn about mesothelioma diagnosis, click here.
What Are Mesothelioma Bankruptcy Trusts?
Many asbestos bankruptcy trusts exist to compensate victims of mesothelioma disease. You may be eligible to file claims without filing a lawsuit with these trusts. To establish a claim, investigators and lawyers at Levin Simes will need to evaluate your case and build evidence of your diagnosis, medical history, work history, and exposure history.
To read more about asbestos bankruptcy trusts, click here.
Who Is Affected by Coalinga Asbestos Exposure?
Coalinga is one of many EPA Superfund sites around the United States. After years of asbestos mining in the Coalinga, King and Fresno County areas, asbestos was left and abandoned around the city of Coalinga. Levin Simes has already represented multiple clients from Coalinga despite the small population.
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