Skip to content
Mesothelioma.net
phone iconCall1-800-692-8608 chat icon Chat 24/7 Live Chat
Menu
  • Malignant Mesothelioma
    • About Mesothelioma
      • How to Survive Mesothelioma
      • 100 Questions & Answers about Mesothelioma (Free Book)
      • Symptoms
      • Diagnosis
      • Prognosis
      • Life Expectancy
    • Types
      • Pleural
      • Peritoneal
      • Epithelioid
      • Sarcomatoid
      • Biphasic
    • Stages
      • Stage 1
      • Stage 2
      • Stage 3
      • Stage 4
    • Additional Information
      • Causes
      • Asbestos and Its Dangers
      • Facts
      • Support
      • Financial Compensation
      • FREE Mesothelioma Packet
  • Treatment
    • Treatment Options
      • Surgery
      • Chemotherapy
      • Radiation Therapy
      • Multimodal Therapy
      • Medications
      • Palliative Treatment
    • Find Top Doctors
      • Doctors
      • Treatment Centers
      • Treatment & Doctors Near You
      • New Treatments
      • Care Providers
      • Clinical Trials
      • Costs
  • Asbestos Trusts
  • Compensation
  • Veteran Assistance
    • Mesothelioma and Veterans
      • VA Claims for Mesothelioma
      • Vietnam Veterans
    • Military Branches and Asbestos
      • Navy Veterans
      • Navy Ships
      • Marine Corps Veterans
      • Army Veterans
      • Air Force Veterans
      • U.S. Coast Guard
  • Surviving Mesothelioma
  • About Us / Contact
  • Home
  • ›
  • Malignant Mesothelioma
  • ›
  • Types
  • ›
  • Cell Types
  • ›
  • Lymphohistiocytoid
Page Updated: June 27, 2022

Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma

Pinar Kanlikilicer Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pinar Kanlikilicer, PhD

FREE Mesothelioma Packet

Fact Checked

This page has been fact checked by a PhD who specializes in cancer research. Sources of information are listed at the bottom of the article.

FREE Mesothelioma Packet

We make every attempt to keep our information accurate and up-to-date.

Please Contact Us with any questions or comments.

Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is one of the rarest subtypes of sarcomatoid mesothelioma.[1] All sarcomatoid mesothelioma types are aggressive and difficult to treat, with a poor prognosis. Also challenging to identify, even specialists may misdiagnose this type of mesothelioma as lymphoma.

FREE Mesothelioma Packet

What Is Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma?

The mix of cells in the tumor makes lymphohistiocytoid a unique subtype. These tumors include histiocyte-like cells and an infiltration of lymphocytes.[1]

  • A histiocyte is an immune cell that remains stationary rather than moving through the bloodstream. A lymphocyte is also an immune cell.
  • Lymphocytes are small white blood cells that are part of the lymphatic system, the network of vessels carrying lymph from lymph nodes to fight infections.

Lymphohistiocytoid and Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is a subtype of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid refers to the specific tumor cells, which consist of mesenchyme tissue.

This tissue makes up the lymphatic system, the circulatory system, and connective tissues like bone and cartilage. Only about 10 to 20% of mesothelioma cases are sarcomatoid. The majority are epithelial cells.

Sarcomatoid cells are distinguished from epithelial cells in mesothelioma tumors by their appearance and activity. Sarcomatoid cells look like spindles with elongated and large nuclei, sometimes even multiple nuclei.

Sarcomatoid tumors are also distinguished from epithelial tumors by their rapid growth and metastasis. All sarcomatoid mesotheliomas are deadlier and more challenging to treat than epithelial mesothelioma.

Can Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma Be Epithelial?

Most cases of mesothelioma are epithelial, meaning most cells in the tumors are epithelial rather than sarcomatoid. Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is so rare that it is difficult to give it a firm classification.

Traditionally, it is classified as sarcomatoid, but some studies indicate it might be more similar to epithelial cancers. This is what researchers concluded after reviewing 22 cases. They concluded that the lymphohistiocytoid type behaves more like epithelial mesothelioma.[2]

Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis

Very few cases of lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma have ever been reported. However, those few cases have been studied and described in scientific journals. This improves future diagnoses, but misdiagnosis is still probable for many people with this rare cancer.

  • Any mesothelioma diagnosis begins with a physical exam and imaging scans of the chest cavity and lungs.
  • In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, technicians will take imaging scans of the abdomen.
  • Imaging scans can pinpoint abnormal tissue that may be the result of tumors.
  • Afterward, a doctor will probably perform a biopsy. For a biopsy, a tiny sample of tissue or fluid is removed from a tumor.
  • A pathologist then examines this sample to confirm cancer and determine the type and subtype.

The diagnosis is based on the appearance of the tumor cells; however, this is not the best way to determine the type of cancer. Mesothelioma is particularly difficult to diagnose in this manner because its cells often look like many other cancer cells, including lung cancer.

For lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma, cells most often resemble those seen in lymphoma, the cancer of the lymphocytes of the lymphatic and immune systems. Lymphoma is a common misdiagnosis for lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma.

In the few reported cases of lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma, most patients first received a diagnosis of lymphoma.[1] Other misdiagnoses of lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma include:

  • Ganglioneuroma
  • Inflammatory pseudotumor
  • Thymoma
  • Lymphoepithelial carcinoma

Immunohistochemical Diagnosis

Because of the mix of cells involved in lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma, accurate diagnosis with standard techniques is challenging; however, research shows that immunohistochemistry staining and immune system markers can distinguish this type of cancer. Immunohistochemistry uses antibodies to target and identify antigens specific to certain cells:[3][4]

  • Researchers found certain markers characteristic of this type of mesothelioma, particularly cytokeratin. One study found the presence of this marker in immunohistochemical stains could rule out other cancers like lymphoma.
  • Other markers that can help in diagnosis are calretinin and vimentin.
  • Recent studies suggest that BAP1 is a key marker for differentiating lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma from other diseases, specifically reactive mesothelial cell proliferation.

The review of 22 cases of lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma showed that the tumors consistently test positive for the markers calretinin and AE1/AE3. Half of the samples tested positive for CK5/6 and EMA.[2]

Treating Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma

All types of mesothelioma are difficult to treat, and most cannot be cured. Sarcomatoid types of mesothelioma, which include lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma, are considered even more difficult to treat than epithelial types.

This is because sarcomatoid cancer cells adhere weakly to each other, allowing them to spread earlier and more quickly.

Most sarcomatoid mesotheliomas cannot be treated by surgery. This limits options to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which can shrink tumors but are unlikely to eliminate them.

The treatment of lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma using these methods most often lengthens a patient’s life and relieves symptoms like pain and difficulty breathing.

What Is the Prognosis?

The prognosis for lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is rarely favorable. Most people receive a diagnosis only after the disease has progressed and it has become difficult to treat. Because lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is easy to misdiagnose, proper diagnosis for this rare mesothelioma generally comes too late.

In one case study, three patients only lived four, five, and eight months after diagnosis. It is important that anyone with asbestos exposure go through screening early and often.

Get Your FREE Mesothelioma Packet

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Pinar Kanlikilicer, PhD

Pinar Kanlikilicer

Dr. Pinar Kanlikilicer has a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. She completed her 5-years of postdoctoral training in the Department of Experimental Therapeutics at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She is currently working in the field of cancer as a research scientist.

Learn more about Cancer Research Specialist Pinar Kanlikilicer, PhD
References
  1. Khalidi, H.S., Medeiros, L.J., and Battifora, H. (2000). Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma An Often Misdiagnosed Variant of Sarcomatoid Malignant Mesothelioma. Am. J. Clin. Pathol. 113, 649-54.
    Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10800396/
  2. Galateau-Salle, F., Attanoos, R., Gibbs, A.R., Burke, L., Astoul, P., Rolland, P., Ilg, A., Pairon, J.C., Brochard, P., Begueret, H., Vignaud, J.M., Kerr, K., Launoy, G., Imbernon, E., and Goldberg, M. (2007, May). Am. J. Surg. Pathol. 31(5), 711-16.
    Retrieved from: https://journals.lww.com/ajsp/Abstract/2007/05000/Lymphohistiocytoid_Variant_of_Malignant.8.aspx
  3. Yao, D.X., Shia, J., Erlandson, R.A., and Klimstra, D.S. (2004). Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma: A Clinical, Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study of Four Cases and Literature Review. Ulstrastruct. Pathol. 28(4), 213-28.
    Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15693633/
  4. Matsubara, T., Toyokawa, G., Yamada, Y., Nabeshima, K., Haratake, N., Kozuma, Y., Akamine, T., Takamori, S., Shoji, F., Okamoto, T., and Maehara, Y. (2017, December). A Case of the Resected Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma: BAP1 Is a Key of Accurate Diagnosis. Anticancer Resarch. 37(12), 6937-41.
    Retrieved from: https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/37/12/6937.full
View All References

Site Navigation

Home
Malignant Mesothelioma
How to Survive Mesothelioma
100 Questions & Answers about Mesothelioma (Free Book)
Surviving Mesothelioma - Beating the Odds (Free Book)
FREE Mesothelioma Packet
Symptoms
Shortness of Breath
Cough
Night Sweats and Fever
Weight Loss
Pain
Difficulty Swallowing
Fatigue and Muscle Weakness
Gastrointestinal Complications
Diagnosis
Pathology
Staging
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Metastasis and Progression
Brain Metastasis
Biopsy
miRview Test
Imaging
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Mesothelioma
Biomarkers and Blood Tests
Calretinin
Prognosis
Remission
Recurrence
Death Rate
Life Expectancy
Search for a Mesothelioma Cure
Types
Pleural
Peritoneal
Epithelioid
Sarcomatoid
Biphasic
Pericardial
Testicular
Cell Types
Rare Subtypes of Mesothelioma
Deciduoid
Desmoplastic
Heterologous
Lymphohistiocytoid
Well-Differentiated Papillary
Tubulopapillary
Small Cell
Benign
Adenomatoid
Cystic
Unresectable
Localized
Idiopathic
Omental
Causes
Risk Factors
Latest Research
Genetic Components
Incidence
Latency Period
Mesothelioma Tumor
Health Insurance Coverage
Related Conditions
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Cholangiocarcinoma
Atelectasis
Pleural Plaques
Pleural Thickening
Pleural Effusion
Peritoneal Effusion (Ascites)
Mesothelial Hyperplasia and Proliferation
Pleuritis and Pleurisy
COPD
Anemia
Breast Cancer
Prevention
Complications
Misdiagnosis
Mesothelioma Commercial
Talcum Baby Powder
Lawyer
Lawsuits
Class Action Lawsuits
Settlements
Simian Virus 40
Differences From Other Cancers
Lung Cancer
Women
Children and Young Adults
Unknown Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma Without Asbestos
Cause of Death
Facts 
History
Awareness
Government and Research
National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank
Support
What to Expect
Living with Mesothelioma
Help a Loved One
Wrong and Right Things to Say
Caregivers
Financial Tips
Faith
Nutrition and Lifestyle
Intimacy
Mesothelioma and Fertility in Men
Fertility in Women with Mesothelioma
Emotional Health
COVID-19
Assisted Living
Hospice Care
Dying from Mesothelioma
Mourning
Coping Guide for Children
End-of-Life Decisions
Mesothelioma Awareness Day
Compensation for Victims
Lawyer
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington D.C.
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Lawsuit
Settlements
Statute of Limitations
Treatment
Surgery
Side Effects
Pneumonectomy
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
Lobectomy
Pleurectomy/Decortication
Post Op Care
Pleurectomy/Decortication vs. Extrapleural Pneumonectomy
Peritonectomy/Cytoreductive Surgery
Thoracotomy
Thoracoscopy
Pericardiectomy
Wedge Resection
Pleurodesis
Pericardiocentesis
Prosthetics
Paracentesis
Thoracentesis
Chemotherapy
Side Effects
Heated Intraperitoneal
Radiation Therapy
Side Effects
Intensity-Modulated
Brachytherapy
Proton Therapy
Image-Guided
External Beam
Three-Dimensional
Multimodal Therapy
New Treatments
SMART Protocol
Gene Therapy
Suicide Gene Therapy
Tumor-Based p53 Therapy
Cryotherapy for Mesothelioma
Tumor Treating Fields
MicroRNA
Palliative Treatment
Osteopathic
Doctors
Treatment Centers
Treatment & Doctors Near You
Mesothelioma Experts
Medications
Alimta (pemetrexed)
Adriamycin (doxorubicin)
Avastin (bevacizumab)
Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)
Gemzar (gemcitabine)
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)
Mitomycin
Navelbine (vinorelbine)
Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab)
Paraplatin (carboplatin)
Platinol (cisplatin)
Rheumatrex (methotrexate)
Sutent (sunitinib)
Taxol (paclitaxel)
Medical Marijuana
Care Providers
Clinical Trials
Anetumab Ravtansine
Atezolizumab
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell
Durvalumab
Immunotoxin
Interferon Alfa-2b
Onconase (Ranpirnase)
VISTA Protein
Costs
Immunotherapy
Nanotechnology
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Home Medical Equipment
HMGB1 Secretion
Photodynamic Therapy
Targeted Therapies
Apoptosis
Stem Cells
Lung Transplantation
Body-Based Therapies
Alternative Therapies
Paul Kraus’s Method
Doctors and Treatment in Canada
Asbestos Trusts
Veterans
VA Claims for Mesothelioma
Vietnam Veterans
Military Branches and Asbestos
Navy Veterans
Navy Ships
Aircraft Carriers
Battleships
Destroyers
Asbestos on Navy Cruisers
Submarines
Amphibious Ships
Minesweepers
Auxiliary Ships
Marine Corps Veterans
Army Veterans
Air Force Veterans
U.S. Coast Guard
Asbestos
Occupational Exposure
Construction Workers
Shipyard Workers
Ship Repair
Steel Mill Workers
Industrial Workers
Boiler Workers
Power Plant Workers
Firefighters
Automotive Workers
Roofers
Oil Refineries
Mining
Transportation Industry
Machine Operators
Farmers and Agricultural Workers
Migrant Workers
Electrical Wiring
Labor Unions
Prisons
Chimneys, Furnaces, and Wood Stoves
Fiberglass Connection to Mesothelioma
Home Remodeling
School Buildings, Teachers
For Tech Students
Cancer
Lung Cancer
Pleural Based Cancers
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits
Companies That Used Asbestos
Awareness and Education
Types of Asbestos & Mesothelioma Risk
Asbestosis
Interstitial Lung Disease
Smoking
Asbestos Ingestion
Exposure in a Natural Disaster
Ban Asbestos
Libby, Montana
Recycling Asbestos
Asbestos Detection
Legal Information by State
Canada
Mexico
United Kingdom
Australia
  • Malignant Mesothelioma
    • Treatment
    • Asbestos Trusts
  • Compensation
    • Veteran Assistance
    • Surviving Mesothelioma
  • FREE Mesothelioma Packet
    • Mesothelioma News
    • About Us / Contact
  • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Editorial Guidelines and Standards
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
The information provided by Mesothelioma.net is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Mesothelioma.net

5430 LBJ Freeway Suite 1200
Dallas, Texas 75240

Serving mesothelioma victims nationwide

1-800-692-8608

  • facebook
  • twitter
© 2022 Mesothelioma.net