Types of Mesothelioma: Three Primary Types of Malignant Mesothelioma

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Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is divided into three primary histological types:

Epithelioid mesothelioma - Epithelioid mesothelioma constitutes approximately 50% to 70% of all malignant mesothelioma making it the most common type of mesothelioma.
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma - Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the least common type of mesothelioma accounting for about 10% to 15% of malignant mesothelioma.
Mixed or Biphasic mesothelioma - As its name implies, Mixed or Biphasic mesothelioma is combination of the sarcomatoid and epithelioid types. Approximately 20% to 40% of the mesothelioma cancer cases fall into the biphasic category.

Mesothelioma develops in three major areas of the body:

Pleura – the lining of the lung, resulting in pleural mesothelioma
Peritoneum – the abdominal cavity, resulting in peritoneal mesothelioma
Pericardium – the heart, resulting in pericardial mesothelioma

As malignant mesothelioma can be confused with other cancers, consider getting a second diagnostic evaluation from your physician or from a mesothelioma oncology specialist.