If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer you could be entitled to significant compensation from both the Asbestos Trust Funds and asbestos product manufactures.
Contact us now for a FREE consultation.
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If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer you could be entitled to significant compensation from both the Asbestos Trust Funds and asbestos product manufactures.
Contact us now for a FREE consultation.
Free Case Review
Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common of the three mesothelioma cell types, accounting for around 70% of all diagnosed cases.
This type of mesothelioma develops in epithelial cells, which line the outer surface of organs and internal cavities, such as the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Someone with a diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma does have a sense of hope since it’s often considered the “least aggressive” of the three cell types, meaning that patients with this cell type generally have a better prognosis than those with other forms.
However, like all forms of mesothelioma, it is still a serious and life-threatening condition.
Epithelioid mesothelioma differs from the other two types—sarcomatoid and biphasic—in key ways.
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma involves spindle-shaped cells that are harder to treat because they can spread, while biphasic mesothelioma involves both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells.
The proportion of these cell types in biphasic mesothelioma significantly affects treatment options and survival rates.
Epithelioid cells, being more structured and uniform, tend to respond better to therapies like surgery and chemotherapy, offering patients more treatment avenues.
Asbestos exposure is the main known cause of epithelioid mesothelioma.
When asbestos fibers get inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the mesothelium. This is the thin layer of tissue surrounding vital organs.
Over time, these fibers cause chronic inflammation and cellular damage, which may eventually lead to the development of cancerous cells.
One of the most challenging aspects of mesothelioma is its long latency period. Decades can pass—often 20 to 50 years—between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms.
This delayed timeline usually makes early diagnosis difficult, as individuals may not associate symptoms like shortness of breath or abdominal pain with exposure that occurred many years earlier.
Understanding epithelioid mesothelioma and its connection to asbestos exposure is crucial for seeking proper treatment and legal recourse.
For patients with the epithelioid cell type, consider consulting a law firm that specializes in mesothelioma cases to explore your options.
Recognizing the symptoms of epithelioid mesothelioma, a subtype of mesothelioma, can be challenging, especially in its early stages. For epithelioid patients, early symptoms may mimic common health issues.
The symptoms often vary depending on where the cancer started, whether it affects the pleura (lung lining) or the peritoneum (abdomen lining).
Early detection is crucial to see improved treatment outcomes, so it is essential to pay attention to persistent or unexplained symptoms that epithelioid mesothelioma patients may experience.
For pleural epithelioid mesothelioma patients, where the lining of the lung is involved, symptoms may include:
Persistent chest pain that can feel like a dull or sharp discomfort that doesn’t go away for pleural mesothelioma patients.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, often due to fluid buildup around the lungs.
Pleural effusion, which is an abnormal fluid collection in the chest cavity. It can contribute to pressure and discomfort caused by malignant pleural mesothelioma.
In cases of peritoneal epithelioid mesothelioma, which impacts the lining of the abdomen, early signs may include:
Abdominal discomfort, including persistent pain or tenderness in the abdomen.
Bloating or a sensation of fullness or swelling often linked to fluid buildup.
Ascites, which is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, causing noticeable swelling
As the disease progresses, symptoms can get more severe and affect overall health. Advanced symptoms include:
Fatigue: A constant sense of exhaustion, even with adequate rest.
Severe weight loss: Rapid and unintentional loss of weight.
Reduced lung function: Difficulty performing even basic physical activities due to compromised lung capacity can happen in someone diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer.
Epithelioid mesothelioma symptoms are often mistaken for more common conditions, delaying accurate diagnosis.
For mesothelioma arising from the pleura, symptoms may be misattributed to pneumonia, bronchitis, or other respiratory diseases.
Peritoneal cases may be confused with gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or hernias.
Given the potential for misdiagnosis involving epithelial mesothelioma cells, it’s crucial to seek medical consultation if symptoms persist or worsen over time, especially if there’s a history of asbestos exposure.
Early detection can improve options, prognosis, and survival time. If you suspect mesothelioma, consulting with experts and seeking legal guidance may help you secure the support you need.
Exposure to asbestos is the primary known cause of epithelioid mesothelioma, and this is true for all three cell types.
This naturally occurring mineral was once commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and many other industries due to its heat resistance and durability.
When disturbed, asbestos fibers can go into the air and, when inhaled or ingested, lodge in the mesothelium, the thin tissue lining organs such as the lungs or abdomen.
Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and cellular damage, eventually leading to mesothelioma in some.
Certain jobs carry a higher risk of asbestos exposure, particularly for workers who directly handle or regularly interact with asbestos-containing materials. These jobs may be linked to more patients diagnosed with mesothelioma than others.
High-risk occupations include:
Construction workers are frequently exposed to asbestos in building materials such as insulation, roofing, and cement.
Shipyard employees who encountered asbestos in shipbuilding materials, particularly in insulation and fireproofing.
Factory workers who were exposed to industrial equipment and products like textiles or gaskets.
Epithelioid mesothelioma isn’t limited to those who work directly with asbestos.
Secondary exposure happens when family members come into contact with asbestos fibers brought home on contaminated clothing, tools, or personal items.
This type of exposure highlights how pervasive and harmful asbestos can be, even for those who have never worked with it directly.
Understanding the causes of epithelioid mesothelioma is key to identifying potential risks and seeking justice for preventable exposure.
When examined after a biopsy, the epithelioid cells will have a defined egg shape that’s elongated. They might clump together, and a pathologist can identify them because the cells will have a visible nucleus. The cells will divide faster than others, meaning there is more rapid tumor growth with epithelioid malignant mesothelioma.
The upside of that is that the cells adhere to each other, slowing the potential for metastasis or spread of the disease. They’re also easier to remove with surgery.
Diagnosing epithelioid mesothelioma is a multi-step process that requires advanced testing and expert analysis because of its rarity and the overlap of its symptoms with other diseases.
Early, accurate pathologic diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is critical for determining the best treatment options and improving outcomes.
The diagnostic process begins with imaging tests to identify abnormalities that could be indicators of mesothelioma.
Common imaging methods include:
CT scans (Computed Tomography) provide detailed images of the chest or abdomen to detect tumors, fluid buildup, or thickening of the mesothelium.
MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) help assess the extent of disease and its impact on surrounding tissues.
X-rays are often used as an initial screening tool to identify pleural effusions or irregularities in the lungs related to epithelioid pleural mesothelioma.
If imaging tests reveal suspicious findings, a biopsy is the next step.
During this procedure, a sample of tissue or fluid is collected and analyzed under a microscope.
Histological analysis can confirm the presence of epithelioid mesothelioma by identifying the characteristic uniform and structured epithelioid cell type.
Advancements in biomarker research and testing have improved the early detection of mesothelioma.
Biomarkers such as mesothelin and calretinin are proteins found in higher concentrations in individuals with mesothelioma, making them valuable diagnostic tools.
Blood tests measuring these biomarkers can sometimes provide early indications of disease, especially for patients with known asbestos exposure.
Immunohistochemistry is critical in distinguishing epithelioid mesothelioma from other cell types and conditions.
This advanced lab technique uses antibodies to detect specific proteins unique to mesothelioma cells, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
One major challenge in diagnosing epithelioid mesothelioma is the similarity of its symptoms to those of other conditions. Symptom overlap can look like lung cancer, pneumonia, or gastrointestinal diseases.
This overlap often leads to delays in diagnosis, especially when mesothelioma isn’t suspected immediately.
For accurate results, it’s essential to work with specialized mesothelioma pathologists who have experience in identifying and distinguishing rare cell types.
Their expertise ensures a patient gets the correct diagnosis and can pursue appropriate treatment options.
If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent symptoms and a history of asbestos exposure, getting a second opinion or consulting a specialist can make a significant difference in a timely and accurate diagnosis.
Following a diagnosis of cancer related to epithelioid mesothelioma cells, treating epithelioid mesothelioma requires a comprehensive approach tailored to the patient’s condition, disease stage, and overall health.
Advances in medical research and a greater understanding of the condition have improved treatment options, offering hope for better outcomes and symptom management.
The primary treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and emerging therapies, often combined in a multimodal approach for those diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma.
Surgery is a cornerstone of treatment for epithelioid mesothelioma, especially in its early stages, when the cancer is localized.
Surgical options aim to remove as much of the tumor as possible to improve survival and quality of life.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): A more aggressive procedure, EPP involves removing the affected lung, pleura, diaphragm, and parts of the pericardium. It is typically used for pleural mesothelioma and is best suited for patients in good overall health.
Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D): This procedure removes the diseased pleura while preserving the lung, making it less invasive than EPP. P/D is often preferred for patients who cannot tolerate more extensive surgery.
Cytoreductive surgery: This surgery removes visible tumors in the abdominal lining to treat peritoneal mesothelioma. It is often combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to target the remaining cancer cells directly.
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment. It uses drugs to kill the cancerous cells and slow disease progression.
It is commonly used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies to help with symptoms and the mesothelioma survival rate of the patient.
Common drugs: Pemetrexed and cisplatin are the standard first-line chemotherapy regimens for mesothelioma. They work together to inhibit cancer growth.
Combination therapy: Studies show that combining chemotherapy with other treatments, such as surgery or immunotherapy, can improve survival rates and reduce tumor size more effectively than chemotherapy alone.
Radiation kills cancer cells with high-energy beams following an epithelial mesothelioma diagnosis.
While it is not typically a curative option for mesothelioma, it plays an important role in symptom management and palliative care.
Palliative care: Radiation can relieve pain, reduce shortness of breath, and shrink tumors pressing on nearby organs.
Post-surgical treatment: Radiation is sometimes used after surgery to destroy residual cancer cells and also to lower the risk of recurrence for malignant epithelioid mesothelioma.
Innovative therapies are providing new hope for patients with epithelioid mesothelioma.
Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Drugs like pembrolizumab, a checkpoint inhibitor, block proteins that prevent your immune system from attacking cancer cells, allowing it to respond more effectively.
Clinical trials: Gene therapy and targeted treatments are at the forefront of mesothelioma research. These approaches focus on modifying genetic material or targeting specific cancer cell mutations, potentially leading to more precise and less toxic treatments.
Multimodal therapy integrates surgery, chemo, and radiation to provide the most comprehensive treatment. This approach has improved survival rates and reduced disease progression.
For example, patients may undergo surgery to remove the tumor, which is then followed by chemo to kill any remaining cancer cells and radiation to prevent recurrence.
Emerging therapies, such as immunotherapy, are increasingly being integrated into multimodal treatment plans to further enhance outcomes.
The best treatment approach for epithelioid mesothelioma depends on the individual’s overall health, cancer stage, and preferences.
Consulting with a mesothelioma specialist ensures that patients receive a tailored plan that incorporates the latest advancements in care.
If you or a loved one is facing a diagnosis, seeking a second opinion and exploring clinical trial opportunities can provide additional options and hope.
The only way to diagnose this cancer is to biopsy affected tissue. A sample of lung tissue is taken to look at the cell type under a microscope. Along with a biopsy, imaging tests and scans may be used, but these alone aren’t enough to make a diagnosis. The term epithelial subtype mesothelioma describes the types of cells a pathologist sees when looking at the tissue sample.
The prognosis for epithelioid mesothelioma is generally more favorable than that of other mesothelioma cell types, such as sarcomatoid or biphasic.
However, outcomes depend on various factors, including the stage of the disease when a diagnosis is received, the patient’s overall health, and the treatment approach.
Due to its structured, uniform cells, the epithelioid cell type is linked with a better prognosis.
These cells tend to spread less aggressively than sarcomatoid cells, allowing for more effective surgical removal and greater responsiveness to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
Early-stage diagnosis significantly improves outcomes, as treatment is most effective when the cancer is localized.
Patients diagnosed at Stage 1 or Stage 2 typically have more options, including curative surgeries and multimodal therapies, which can extend survival and enhance quality of life.
Survival rates for epithelioid mesothelioma vary based on the stage of the disease and the treatments pursued. On average:
Patients with early-stage epithelioid mesothelioma may experience median survival rates of 19 to 24 months.
For advanced-stage cases, survival drops to approximately 12 months, but this can vary depending on individual factors and treatment plans.
Aggressive treatment approaches, such as combining surgery, chemo, and radiation, have been shown to improve survival rates and overall outcomes.
Advancements in mesothelioma treatment are offering hope for better outcomes.
Emerging therapies like immunotherapy and gene therapy are extending survival for some patients, while multimodal approaches remain the gold standard for improving prognosis.
Additionally, supportive care, including pain management, nutritional support, and mental health resources, plays a vital role in enhancing a patient’s quality of life
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent epithelioid mesothelioma, minimizing asbestos exposure is the most effective strategy to reduce the risk.
Implementing safety measures and raising awareness can significantly lower the chances of developing this devastating disease.
Workplace safety is critical in industries where asbestos exposure is a known risk, such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.
Safety regulations now require employers to provide protective equipment, monitor air quality, and ensure proper handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
Employees should also undergo regular training on safe work practices.
For at-risk populations, such as family members of asbestos workers, preventive actions include avoiding contact with contaminated clothing or materials.
Workers are encouraged to change clothes and shower before returning home to minimize secondary exposure.
Education is a powerful tool in preventing mesothelioma.
Awareness campaigns help inform workers and communities about the dangers of asbestos exposure and how to protect themselves.
Public health initiatives can promote early detection, safe practices, and legal rights for those exposed.
Individuals and communities can reduce the risk of epithelioid mesothelioma and its devastating consequences by staying informed and proactive.
Radiation can help manage symptoms, and surgery can extend someone’s life for several years after a diagnosis.
The treatment plan for any type of mesothelioma depends on the cancer stage, the tumor, and the person’s overall health.
Epithelial mesothelioma responds best to the treatment of the three subtypes.
If someone receives a late-stage diagnosis, they may receive palliative care to reduce symptoms and improve comfort, and perhaps immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Regardless of the stage, it’s common to see a combination of treatment approaches used.
Navigating an epithelioid mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but patients and their families don’t have to face it alone.
A wide range of support resources is available to provide emotional, financial, and legal assistance throughout the journey.
Connecting with others who understand the challenges of mesothelioma can provide invaluable emotional support.
Patient advocacy organizations like the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization offer support groups and forums online where patients and families can share experiences, ask questions, and find comfort in a community.
In addition to peer support, counseling options are available to help patients and caregivers manage the mental and emotional toll of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Licensed therapists and counselors specializing in chronic illness can assist with coping strategies, stress management, and addressing feelings of anxiety or depression.
Asbestos-exposure victims, including those with epithelial mesothelioma, may be eligible for financial compensation.
This compensation covers expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with their illness.
Filing a compensation claim through asbestos trust funds or pursuing legal action against negligent companies can provide much-needed relief.
Connecting with experienced mesothelioma attorneys is crucial for navigating the legal process. Specialized lawyers can evaluate your case, determine eligibility for compensation, and guide you through filing lawsuits or claims.
Many firms, including ours, offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis. This means they only collect fees if you receive compensation.
Whether you need emotional support, financial guidance, or legal advocacy, resources are available to help alleviate the burdens of an epithelioid mesothelioma diagnosis.
These services empower patients and families to focus on their well-being while receiving the care and justice they deserve.
Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for about 70% of all cases. It develops in the epithelial cells that line organs like the lungs, abdomen, and heart.
This cell type is more structured and uniform than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma, making it less aggressive and more responsive to treatment.
Early symptoms of epithelioid mesothelioma, which is a malignant mesothelioma, vary depending on the location of the cancer.
For pleural mesothelioma (affecting the lungs), common symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Peritoneal mesothelioma (affecting the abdomen) may cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, and loss of appetite.
Diagnosis begins with imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, or X-rays, to detect abnormalities such as fluid buildup or tumors.
A biopsy, where a sample of tissue or fluid is analyzed under a microscope, confirms the presence of epithelioid cells.
Advanced techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, help distinguish epithelioid mesothelioma from other conditions or cell types.
Treatment for epithelioid mesothelioma includes surgery (such as extrapleural pneumonectomy or pleurectomy/decortication), chemotherapy (often using pemetrexed and cisplatin), and radiation therapy for symptom management.
Emerging therapies, such as immunotherapy and participation in clinical trials, are also providing new hope for patients as they work with their mesothelioma doctor.
While there is no definitive cure for epithelioid mesothelioma, curative treatments aim to extend life expectancy and achieve remission in early-stage cases.
For advanced stages, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.
A tailored treatment plan from a mesothelioma specialist can help maximize outcomes and raise the likelihood that you will respond well to treatment.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, don’t wait to take legal action. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process, fight for your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you have no upfront costs that come with your mesothelioma claims.
We don’t get paid unless we win your case and receive compensation.
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