Mesothelioma classification

Mesothelioma may be classified into several subtypes based on the location (pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, cystic/multicystic, and tunica vaginalis testis), histology (epithelial, sarcomatoid, and biphasic), and potential to spread (benign and malignant).

Based on the location, mesothelioma may be classified into 5 subtypes:^[1]

• Pleural mesothelioma
• Peritoneal mesothelioma
• Pericardial mesothelioma
• Cystic/multicystic mesothelioma
• Tunica vaginalis testis mesothelioma

Based on the histology, mesothelioma may be classified into 3 subtypes:^[1]

• Epithelial
• Sarcomatoid
• Biphasic (mixed)

Based on the potential to spread, mesothelioma may be classified into 2 subtypes:^[2]

• Malignant mesothelioma
• Benign mesothelioma

• Fibrous tumor of the pleura: Fibrous tumor of the pleura is a benign tumor that forms in the visceral or parietal pleura. This type of tumor can occur in both sexes. A benign fibrous tumor of the pleura can cause symptoms similar to malignant mesothelioma, such as shortness of breath. It may also advance to form a malignant tumor. A benign fibrous tumor of the pleura can recur after surgical resection.
• Multicystic mesothelioma: Multicystic mesothelioma forms several benign cysts in the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma most often occurs in femlaes. It may also be called benign cystic mesothelioma.
• Adenomatoid mesothelioma: Adenomatoid mesothelioma is a benign tumor that usually develops in the mesothelium of the male and female genital system. In males, this benign tumor often starts in the epididymis. In femlaes, adenomatoid mesothelioma starts in the Fallopian tubes.^[3]

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