A rare version of mesothelioma is known as papillary mesothelioma. It is epithelial in nature, meaning it only affects epithelial cells. It also is quite different in how it manifests from malignant mesothelioma, because its likelihood of metastasis to other organs or areas of the body is low. Unlike more common forms of mesothelioma, it occurs more often in women and carries a favorable prognosis.
Treatments for Papillary Mesothelioma
Because of its rarity, it has been difficult to recommend any particular course of treatment for the disease. Doctors with patients who have this disease must rely on studies, which have revealed that treatments for malignant mesothelioma are commonly applied. These treatments involve chemotherapy and surgical procedures. It is common for those who have been diagnosed with this illness, along with their families, to have multiple concerns and questions about their disease and treatment.
Tumors of Papillary Mesothelioma
The clinical manifestations of papillary mesothelioma are often benign and cause very little if any pain to the person diagnosed. The prognosis for someone with papillary mesothelioma is typically very good. There have been, however, a few cases of this disease that are aggressive. It is very common for papillary mesothelioma, even as a benign tumor, to recur.
The typical place for papillary mesothelioma to develop is in the membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity, also known as the peritoneum, of women during their reproductive years. There have been other cases of this tumor that have developed in the reproductive system of males, particularly the tunica vaginalis. Other locations for this disease to develop include the ovaries, the mesothelium of the lungs (known as the pleura) and the mesothelium of the heart, known as the pericardium.
Papillary Mesothelioma x-rayHow Papillary Mesothelioma Develops
Traditional malignant mesothelioma has been shown to be caused by asbestos exposure in nearly all known cases. With papillary mesothelioma, there does not appear to be a direct correlation between this exposure and the development of the disease, as many cases have been reported in which there is no known exposure to this mineral. But it has also been shown that there have been a significant number of patients who develop papillary mesothelioma while having experienced asbestos exposure, either through their occupational work, or because of secondary exposure. Household exposure is also possible.
Reference:
American Journal of Radiology
