* Papillary Mesothelioma

    Papillary mesothelioma, often referred to as “well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma,” or WDPM, is an abdominal mesothelial growth that is typically associated with abdominal pain and fluid buildups known as effusions. Because its symptoms are mild and somewhat vague, papillary mesothelioma is often detected during a routine checkup or treatment for another illness.

What is Papillary Mesothelioma?

    Papillary mesothelioma is a form of epithelial mesothelioma characterized by a papillary growth pattern. It almost always originates in the peritoneum, or the lining of the stomach. Only a small percentage of papillary mesothelioma tumors are found in the tunica vaginalis, or the lining of the testicles. By 1992, only two testicular cases had been recorded.WDPM is rarely found in the pleural cavity.

    This form of mesothelioma combines benign tumors and mild malignant lesions. Scattered calcium buildups known as psammoma bodies may also be present in peritoneal papillary mesotheliomas.

    Papillary mesothelioma can be easily confused with papillary carcinomas of the ovary or peritoneum. Microscopic examinations are necessary to diagnose this disease. Well-defined papillary mesothelioma cells are distinguished by proliferations with a long stalk of mesothelial cells. These growths are often uniform in appearance and lack cellular abnormalities.

    This uncommon subtype of mesothelioma is typically non-invasive and less threatening than other forms of mesothelioma. It was originally assumed to be entirely benign, yet further reports indicate that papillary mesothelioma follows a variable course with limited low-grade malignancies.

    Cellular division (mitosis) and metastasis are seldom reported with papillary mesotheliomas. In one study of 22 well-defined papillary mesotheliomas, mitosis was only detected in one patient. Another study of six peritoneal papillary mesothelioma cases revealed no episodes of cellular division.

Who is Most at Risk for Papillary Mesothelioma?

    Although more men generally develop mesothelioma than women, the papillary variant of mesothelioma is predominantly diagnosed in premenopausal females between 30 and 40 years old. Unlike most forms of malignant mesothelioma, well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma is seldom associated with asbestos exposure.

    If you feel that you may be at risk for papillary mesothelioma, a doctor consultation is recommended. For assistance with finding a local doctor who can identify your symptoms, please contact The Mesothelioma Center's Doctor Match System.

Treating Papillary Mesothelioma

    Because it is less aggressive than other types of mesothelioma, papillary mesothelioma typically has a better prognosis than other forms of the cancer. One French study of 24 pleural papillary mesothelioma cases found that the average survival was 74 months. Just over 30 percent of participants attained a 10-year survival rate.

    The rarity of the disease has made it hard to establish a specific treatment plan for papillary mesothelioma. As a result, this illness is often treated with the same procedures used to address other forms of mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma therapies includesurgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Regular follow-up examinations are also crucial in the management of papillary mesothelioma.

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