Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma cancer and accounts for only about 10% to 15% of all cases. This cancer is classified based on the cell structure where the sarcomatoid cells are random and irregular. Mesothelioma diagnosis is not very easy for this form of cancer. Owing to this, its diagnosis and treatment is more difficult. Moreover, the latency period is quite long and by the time the symptoms occur, the patient is in advanced stages of mesothelioma cancer.

Diagnosis of Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

As this form of mesothelioma cancer resembles a benign fibrous tissue, it is not very easy to diagnose sarcomatoid mesothelioma.It can be diagnosed with the help of a traditional needle core biopsy of the affected area. Owing to its aggressive nature, it spreads very fast and is difficult to treat. Effective treatment is possible if it is diagnosed earlier.

If certain mesothelioma symptoms start appearing, they need to be cataloged along with an analysis of the history of patients which includes a history of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma diagnosis can be done effectively with various techniques like x-rays and other imaging options like a CT scan or MRI. If any abnormality is seen, a biopsy is recommended which can confirm the presence of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. However, it is important to get a second or third opinion to avoid any misdiagnosis.

Treatment of Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Various treatment options for sarcomatoid mesothelioma include:

• Controlling pleural effusions
• Radiotherapy to intervention sites
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy and clinical trial entry

As sarcomatoid mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer it can spread to various organs of the body and radiation can damage organs if it is given to a wide area. However, targeted radiotherapy at specific areas at early stages of the cancer can help in treating it effectively. Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) can enable doctors to improve local tumor control to avoid spreading to other neighboring organs.

Surgery for sarcomatoid mesothelioma can be done by surgical procedures like cytoreductive surgery or pleurectomy/decortication (P/D), surgical pleurodesis using video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and extra pleural pneumonectomy (EPP). However, EPP is used as part of complete treatment approach like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Care for Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Care needs to be taken after specific treatment is administered on the patient. At an early stage, surgery is effective. However, at an advanced stage palliative care is useful. The treatment options used should help in improving the quality of life of the patients and in managing pain.

As sarcomatoid mesothelioma is aggressive and treatment is not very effective, its prognosis is also not very encouraging.The average mesothelioma survival rate between diagnosis and death is seven months. Therefore, special care needs to be taken to make cancer patients comfortable and effectively manage this form of cancer.