Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma and is caused by asbestos exposure. One very rare type of pleural mesothelioma is lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the respiratory system, and lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is far rarer, making up less than 1 percent of all cases.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Pathology, lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is a variant of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid refers to the shape of the tumor cell, which is spindled and long. This type of tumor is typically aggressive, in that it grows rapidly and the cells are difficult to destroy.
Perhaps because of its rarity, lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed. When this type of mesothelioma was first described in 1988, it was in three patients, two of whom were misdiagnosed first with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Diagnosing Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma
A doctor will typically diagnose mesothelioma through a medical history, a medical exam, and a series of tests. Because mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, doctors will need to take a thorough account of your work and personal history to determine whether asbestos exposure occurred. If this can be determined, your doctor will want to know the frequency and duration of exposure.
Because lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is a type of pleural mesothelioma, your doctor will check for fluid in your lungs, which is a common symptom. The final step for diagnosis is to order a series of tests such as imaging tests and biopsies. Imaging tests include PET scans, CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.
Biopsies can be either needle biopsies or surgical biopsies. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, a needle biopsy is typically sufficient. If results of the needle biopsy are inconclusive, however, a surgical biopsy may be needed.
Treatment for lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma
Treatment for lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is currently the same as treatment for pleural mesothelioma, which often includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Because there is no known cure for mesothelioma, surgery is usually performed to relieve the pain of symptoms.
In addition, chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma involves injecting cancer medications directly into the tumor sites or administering the medications intravenously. Chemotherapy for lymphohistiocytoidmesothelioma is usually combined with surgery or radiation therapy to increase the overall effectiveness of all therapies.
Radiation therapy involves the use of radioactive waves or injections to kill the cancer cells. One common type of radiation is called brachytherapy, which includes placing the radioactive materials into the cancer site. Brachytherapy, because it is so localized, typically has the fewest side effects of all types of radiation.
Mesothelioma Legal Help
If you have any type of mesothelioma, you may deserve compensation from the company responsible for your asbestos exposure.
Speak to our team today to learn more about filing a mesothelioma claim. Complete our free case evaluation form and one of our staff will reach out to you to learn more about what’s going on.
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