Papillary mesothelioma is a rare form of epithelial mesothelioma and is also known as well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma (WDPM). As it is usually benign, there are less chances of it spreading to other organs. However, in the case of aggressive papillary mesothelioma, treatment might not be very effective.

It usually affects women who are of reproductive age and who have been exposed to asbestos either at workplace or through another family member. It can also occur without any exposure to asbestos. In this form of mesothelioma cancer, the tumor occurs in the peritoneum of women. However, in men it has been found in the pericardium or pleura as a peritoneal tumor, or as tunica vaginalis.

Diagnosis of Papillary Mesothelioma

Various diagnosis techniques are used to check the presence of this mesothelioma cancer like x-ray, transmission electron microscopy, electron photomicrographs, and light miscroscopy using a sodium hypochrlorite digestion procedure. Biopsy is also used to confirm the presence of this form of cancer.

Treatment for Papillary Mesothelioma

Papillary mesothelioma is much easier to treat compared to other forms of mesothelioma as in most of the cases, it is benign. The treatment methods include the similar options like surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. At times adjuvant chemotherapy is used which is an aggressive treatment option to arrest the growth of the tumor.

As there is a tendency of recurrence of WDPM, various mesothelioma treatment options are required. Though this form of cancer does not spread to other organs, treating mesothelioma of this kind should not be delayed as it can become malignant at later stages. If this cancer is not properly treated it can even lead to death.

Care for Papillary Mesothelioma

Though this cancer is benign, the prognosis of WDPM depends on the treatment options and the stage of the disease when diagnosed. Apart from this, it also depends on various other factors like general health of the patient, age, gender, location of the tumor, microscopic invasion and tumor multifocality. Once treated effectively, the survival rate is quite high and can vary between 6 month to 15 years. However, in some cases, patients managed to live longer with proper care and better wellness management.

Though asbestos exposure is considered to be the main cause of this form of cancer, it is not completely substantiated. However, it has been found that most of the patients with WDPM have either worked in a place with the presence of asbestos or have been in contact with people in the family who have been exposed to asbestos and who have brought asbestos fibers home through their clothes.

Statistics indicate that most of the patients with this form of mesothelioma have lived much longer than those affected by other forms. The treatment is easier and less expensive as the duration of treatment is shorter. Therefore, this form of mesothelioma is easiest to diagnose and treat and the prognosis is very effective. However, this is possible only if it is treated on time.