{"id":25381,"date":"2024-08-12T17:12:40","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T21:12:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=25381"},"modified":"2025-12-17T21:54:25","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T02:54:25","slug":"mesothelial-cells","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/mesothelial-cells\/","title":{"rendered":"Mesothelial Cells"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>What Are Mesothelial Cells?<\/h2>\n<p>Human mesothelial cells are the building blocks for different parts of the mesothelium known as the serosal cavities and connective tissues.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-1187 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/IS_MILANO2016_04-300x156.jpg\" alt=\"Mesothelial cells\" width=\"300\" height=\"156\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/IS_MILANO2016_04-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/IS_MILANO2016_04-768x399.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/IS_MILANO2016_04-692x360.jpg 692w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/IS_MILANO2016_04.jpg 770w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Mesothelial cells are a type of epithelial cell, which are cells that form the protective surface for many organs.<\/p>\n<p>However, benign mesothelial cells can mutate into <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma cancer<\/a>\u00a0after asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<h3>Key Facts on Mesothelial Cells<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Make up the pleura (lung lining), peritoneum (abdominal lining), pericardium (heart lining), and tunica vaginalis (testicular lining)<\/li>\n<li>Make a slippery secretion that helps the body&#8217;s organs move freely without friction<\/li>\n<li>Help the body\u2019s immune system when recovering from an injury or fighting an infection<\/li>\n<li>Can turn into malignant (cancerous) mesothelioma cells 10-50 years after exposure to asbestos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Mesothelioma Hope is here to help patients and families navigate life after a mesothelioma diagnosis. This includes finding top doctors, pursuing compensation, connecting with support groups, and much more.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong> to learn about all the resources we offer.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Characteristics of Mesothelial Cells<\/h2>\n<p>Normal mesothelial cells work to protect organs from threats like bacteria and viruses. These cells generally look flat or cube-shaped when viewed under a microscope. However, in cases of severe injury or illness, the cells can change.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here is a list of rare mesothelial cells and their traits:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Reactive:<\/strong> Reactive mesothelial cells have large nuclei and look like polyhedrons (three-dimensional shapes). They develop after inflammation or trauma to help with healing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Floridly reactive:<\/strong> These cells have large nuclei and clump together in large, scalloped groups.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Malignant:<\/strong> Benign mesothelial cells can turn malignant (cancerous) when damaged by asbestos fibers. When this occurs, they are considered to be mesothelioma cells.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Doctors must use great care to correctly identify the type of mesothelial cell you have. All three can look similar, but malignant mesothelioma cells require prompt treatment.<\/p>\n<h2>How Asbestos Causes Mesothelial Cells to Become Cancerous<\/h2>\n<p>Asbestos fibers harm mesothelial cells, mutating them into cancer cells.<\/p>\n<p>If you were exposed to <a href=\"\/asbestos\/\">asbestos<\/a>, you could breathe in or swallow fibrous particles. These asbestos fibers may then travel to different parts of the mesothelium through the lymphatic system and get trapped.<\/p>\n<p>Healthy mesothelial cells can suffer chronic irritation from asbestos fibers. This leads to the release of <strong>cytokines<\/strong>, proteins that control inflammation.<\/p>\n<p>Your body makes cytokines to fight diseases and foreign threats like asbestos. But, in the case of asbestos, too many of these cytokines are released. This allows cells damaged by asbestos to stay alive. After a <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/latency-period\/\">latency period<\/a> of 10-50 years, the affected mesothelial cells can mutate into mesothelioma cells.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;&#8230;Interactions between mesothelial cells and immune cells can also drive pathological processes such as malignant mesothelioma, where<strong> the immune system is hijacked to promote rather than prevent tumor growth<\/strong>.\u201d<br \/>\n\u2013 <em>Current Opinion in Immunology<\/em>, Volume 64<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p>Call <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> if you or a loved one has mesothelioma. We can help you find top doctors, access the latest treatments, and pursue financial compensation for your illness.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Mesothelial Cells &amp; Types of Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Different types of mesothelioma can form after mesothelial cells are exposed to asbestos. Which type forms depends on the part of the mesothelium affected. Learn about these locations and the types of mesothelioma associated with them below.<\/p>\n<h3>Pleural Mesothelial Cells<\/h3>\n<p>Mesothelial cells are the most common cells in the pleural cavity and play a key role in how the lungs function.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pleural mesothelial cells:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Absorb lung fluid:<\/strong> Mesothelial cells make up the two layers of the pleura, which are surrounded by fluid. Normally there is about half a cup of fluid in the pleural lining. Mesothelial cells in pleural fluid absorb the excess to help prevent buildup.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Help with breathing:<\/strong> The pleural fluid creates a slippery surface that allows the lungs to glide in the chest cavity without getting stuck. If adhesion were to occur, it could lead to serious health issues.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Protect the lungs:<\/strong> Mesothelial cells prevent organisms like bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles from entering into the pleural cavity. Mesothelial cells completely surround the bacteria and destroy them. But, asbestos fibers can\u2019t be broken down by the cells as they\u2019re so strong.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If mesothelial cells in the pleura are exposed to asbestos, they can mutate into <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/pleural\/\">pleural mesothelioma<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells<\/h3>\n<p>The mesothelial cells that make up the peritoneum provide a barrier for abdominal organs and tissues, protecting them from disease. However, asbestos can cause mutations that turn peritoneal mesothelial cells cancerous.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/peritoneal\/\">Peritoneal mesothelioma<\/a> cells can then kill healthy mesothelial cells in the peritoneal cavity by releasing cytokines, according to a 2022 study published by <em>Cancers.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Mesothelial Cells &amp; Rare Types of Mesothelioma<\/h3>\n<p>The testicles and heart also have their own linings.<\/p>\n<p>In very rare cases, asbestos fibers can reach either of these linings, causing <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/pericardial\/\">pericardial mesothelioma<\/a> or <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/testicular\/\">testicular mesothelioma<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless of what type of mesothelioma you\u2019ve been diagnosed with, we can help. <strong>Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong> to learn about treatments, top doctors, and much more.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Symptoms of Malignant Mesothelial Cells<\/h2>\n<p>Malignant mesothelial cells don\u2019t function like healthy ones, which can cause patients to develop uncomfortable symptoms.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Common <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/symptoms\/\">mesothelioma symptoms<\/a> include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Buildup of fluid:<\/strong> Mesothelioma cancer cells won\u2019t absorb fluid in the serous cavities. This can lead to fluid buildup in the chest cavity (<a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/pleural\/effusion\/\">pleural effusion<\/a>) or in the peritoneal cavity (ascites or <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/peritoneal\/effusion\/\">peritoneal effusion<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chest pain:<\/strong> Pleural effusions can lead to pain in the chest.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Loss of appetite and weight loss:<\/strong> When the abdominal cavity is filled with fluid, you may not have an appetite or get full easily. This can lead to rapid weight loss.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shortness of breath:<\/strong> Patients may have a hard time breathing due to pleural effusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Many patients with malignant mesothelioma won\u2019t have symptoms until cancer spread (metastasis) has occurred.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you were exposed to asbestos and now have possible mesothelioma symptoms. A <a href=\"\/treatment\/doctors\/\">mesothelioma specialist<\/a> can accurately diagnose you and, if needed, recommend treatments to help you live as long as possible.<\/p>\n<h2>Diagnosing Malignant Mesothelial Cells<\/h2>\n<p>If doctors suspect you may have malignant mesothelioma, they\u2019ll take specific steps to confirm your <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/\">diagnosis<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>First, they\u2019ll perform a <strong>basic physical exam<\/strong> to discuss your symptoms and medical history. Tell your doctor if you were ever exposed to asbestos \u2014 this can help rule out more common health issues that could be responsible for your symptoms.<\/p>\n<p><strong>From there, doctors may use diagnostic tests like:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/imaging-scans\/\">Imaging scans<\/a>:<\/strong> These can\u2019t detect specific cells but allow doctors to see if there are any strange masses, lesions, or lumps in your body.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fluid cytology:<\/strong> Doctors look for mesothelial cells in pleural or peritoneal fluid if you have an effusion. However, it\u2019s hard to make a diagnosis with just this test as mesothelial cells could be confused with cancer cells.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/biopsy\/\">Biopsy<\/a>:<\/strong> Whenever a doctor suspects cancer, they will nearly always perform a biopsy to remove a tissue or fluid sample and look for abnormal cells under a microscope.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Immunohistochemistry:<\/strong> This allows doctors to \u201cstain\u201d a biopsy result to help in the differentiation of cancer cells from non-cancerous ones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a specialist can recommend treatments to help you live as long as possible.<\/p>\n<h3>Misdiagnosing Mesothelial Cells<\/h3>\n<p>Doctors need to carefully examine the mesothelial cells they remove through a biopsy to determine if they are cancerous or not. Otherwise, a patient could suffer a <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/misdiagnosis\/\">mesothelioma misdiagnosis<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Common misdiagnoses of mesothelial cells include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Malignant mesothelioma:<\/strong> A 2022 report published in <em>CytoJournal<\/em> noted there is a significant overlap between benign and malignant mesothelial cells. In particular, reactive and floridly reactive mesothelial cells look similar to mesothelioma cells.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Carcinoma:<\/strong> The cells of adenocarcinoma may look like mesothelial cells or mesothelioma cells.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ovarian cancer:<\/strong> Some cases of peritoneal mesothelioma could be mistaken for <a href=\"\/cancer\/ovarian-cancer\/\">ovarian cancer<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Squamous cells:<\/strong> Mesothelial cells have a similar structure (morphology) to squamous cells, but in reality, they are a unique type of epithelial cell.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you believe you\u2019ve been misdiagnosed, you can seek a <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/second-opinion\/\">second opinion<\/a>, where a doctor will review your initial imaging scans and biopsy results. This will help ensure that you get an accurate diagnosis and the best treatments for your case.<\/p>\n<p>Use our <strong>Free Doctor Match service<\/strong> to connect with mesothelioma specialists near you who can help confirm a diagnosis. It only takes a few seconds to get started.<\/p>\n<div id=\"25223\" class=\"one-off-25223 widget widget_oscar-vque one-off\" data-vqueid=\"25223\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"one-off\">.one-off-25223{margin:60px auto}.one-off-25223 a{box-shadow:0 4px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.25);display:block;background:#e4f4f6;padding:20px 25px 200px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;position:relative;overflow:hidden;max-width:360px;margin:0 auto}.one-off-25223 a::before{background:#0FAEBF;border-radius:50% 50% 0 0;content:'';position:absolute;bottom:0;height:19%;width:135%;left:-60px;z-index:0}.one-off-25223 .vque-content,.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{z-index:1;position:relative}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{width:100%;position:absolute;left:-10px;bottom:-15px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:absolute;bottom:0;width:100%;max-width:unset;left:0}.one-off-25223 .heading{font-size:27px;line-height:33px;text-align:center;display:block;max-width:340px;margin:5px auto 25px}.one-off-25223 ul{list-style:none;margin:-10px auto 22px;text-align:left;font-size:16px;line-height:26px}.one-off-25223 ul li{margin:0 0 15px;position:relative;padding-left:35px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{font-family:\"mesohope\"!important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;content:\"\\e904\";background:#0FAEBF;width:21px;height:21px;display:block;position:absolute;left:0;top:4px;border-radius:50%;color:#fff;font-size:11px;text-align:center;line-height:21px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:center}.one-off-25223 .button{padding:12px 16px;display:block}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.one-off-25223 a{max-width:620px;padding:30px 30px 35px;border-radius:0 0 4px 4px}.one-off-25223 a::before{border-radius:50%;height:155%;width:150%;right:-550px;left:unset;bottom:-295px}.one-off-25223 .heading{text-align:left;margin:2px 0 25px;max-width:unset;font-size:24px}.one-off-25223 ul{margin:-7px 0 30px;max-width:365px;line-height:23px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{top:1px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{max-width:unset;position:absolute;right:-25px;bottom:-35px;margin:0 0 -2px;left:unset;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:relative;bottom:0;left:0;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .button{display:inline-block;padding:14px 25px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:left}}@media screen and (min-width:1150px){.one-off-25223 a{padding:30px}}<\/style><a href=\"\/get-matched\/\" title=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor Ad\"><div>\r\n    <div class=\"vque-content\">\r\n        <strong class=\"heading\">Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor<\/strong>\r\n        <ul>\r\n            <li>Find top specialists near you<\/li>\r\n            <li>Seek compensation for travel & care<\/li>\r\n            <li>Get medical guidance<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n        <p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Matched Now\">Get Matched Now<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Doctors-ad.png\" alt=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"lazyload\" ><\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Treatment for Malignant Mesothelial Cells<\/h2>\n<p>Doctors can recommend a wide range of treatments for malignant mesothelial cells. Which treatments will work best for you depends on where the cancer formed, its stage, and your overall health.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Possible <a href=\"\/treatment\/\">treatments for malignant mesothelioma cells<\/a> include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Surgery:<\/strong> Used if the cancer is diagnosed in an early stage to remove tumors<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chemotherapy:<\/strong> Stops cell growth and shrinks tumors using medications<\/li>\n<li><strong>Radiation:<\/strong> Destroys tumors through the use of painless energy beams<\/li>\n<li><strong>Immunotherapy:<\/strong> Boosts the body\u2019s immune response to cancer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Doctors will typically recommend multimodal therapy, where at least two treatments are combined to fight mesothelioma and destroy as much of the cancer as possible.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\">Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/a> shipped overnight to find out which are recommended for your particular case.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Get Help for Malignant Mesothelial Cells<\/h2>\n<p>Malignant mesothelial cells can be life-threatening, but <strong>our team can help you or someone you love right now.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mesothelioma Hope was founded to support the needs of anyone facing mesothelioma, and we can connect you with key resources to help you fight this cancer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Contact us now to access:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Personalized medical guidance from our registered nurses<\/li>\n<li>Free financial resources that can help you cover cancer-related expenses<\/li>\n<li>Mental and emotional support to navigate life with mesothelioma<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Call <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> or use our <a href=\"\/get-matched\/\">Free Doctor Match<\/a> to get started with help from our Patient Advocates. There\u2019s no cost to speak with us.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrap\"><h2 class=\"faq-wrap-heading\">Mesothelial Cell FAQs<\/h2><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"1\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What type of cells are mesothelial cells?<\/h3><div><p>Mesothelial cells are <strong>special cells that form a protective layer<\/strong> called the mesothelium. This layer covers and protects the organs in your chest, abdomen, and around your heart.<\/p>\n<p>These cells help produce a lubricating fluid that allows organs to move smoothly, like when your lungs expand and contract. When mesothelial cells are damaged from asbestos exposure, they can turn into cancer cells, leading to mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"2\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Is it normal to have mesothelial cells?<\/h3><div><p><strong>Yes,<\/strong> it is normal to have mesothelial cells. These cells make up your body\u2019s internal lining and help protect vital organs like the lungs and heart.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Malignant mesothelial cells, on the other hand, are abnormal.<\/strong> If doctors find malignant cells through medical tests, you have cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"3\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Where are mesothelial cells found?<\/h3><div><p>Mesothelial cells are found <strong>in the mesothelium<\/strong>, which is the thin layer of tissue that covers the body cavity.<\/p>\n<p>Mesothelial cells make up the lining of the lungs, heart, testicles, and abdomen. However, these cells can become cancerous if harmed by asbestos fibers that get trapped in the body.<\/p>\n<p>If a doctor thinks you may have cancer, you can <a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\">get our Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/a>, shipped overnight to better understand your treatment options.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"4\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What do mesothelial cells in pleural fluid mean?<\/h3><div><p>Mesothelial cells in pleural fluid mean that cells from the lung lining are present in fluid taken from the chest area.<\/p>\n<p>This can indicate several conditions, ranging from inflammation or infection (pleuritis) to more serious conditions like malignant pleural effusion, which can be associated with cancers like mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>If your doctor sees mesothelioma cells in your pleural fluid, they\u2019ll need to do more tests to find out the underlying cause.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"5\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What are common diseases affecting mesothelial cells?<\/h3><div><p>Mesothelioma is the most well-known disease affecting mesothelial cells. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure that most commonly affects the lining of the lungs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other diseases and conditions that can affect mesothelial cells include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Benign mesothelial tumors:<\/strong> Non-cancerous growths that usually do not spread<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pleural effusion:<\/strong> Buildup of fluid around the lungs that can cause breathing difficulty<\/li>\n<li><strong>Peritonitis<\/strong>: Inflammation of the abdominal lining, often due to infection<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mesothelial hyperplasia:<\/strong> A non-cancerous increase in mesothelial cells, often related to irritation or inflammation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"6\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What are reactive mesothelial cells?<\/h3><div><p>Normal mesothelial cells can turn into reactive ones when the mesothelium is injured or attacked by an illness, according to a report published in <em>Cytopathology<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>As part of the body\u2019s response to a health issue, reactive mesothelial cells enlarge and spread quickly. However, once the health problem resolves, the cells return to normal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"7\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is the difference between reactive vs. malignant mesothelial cells?<\/h3><div><p><strong>Malignant mesothelial cells are cancerous<\/strong> and can spread rapidly through the body, forming tumors that can shut down organs and lead to death. They are also known as mesothelioma cells.<\/p>\n<p>While reactive mesothelial cells resemble malignant cells, they aren\u2019t cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"8\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is the treatment for reactive mesothelial cells?<\/h3><div><p>Reactive mesothelial cells <strong>don\u2019t require treatment<\/strong>. It\u2019s normal for your body to develop reactive mesothelial cells after an injury or illness.<\/p>\n<p>That said, doctors could potentially mistake cancerous mesothelioma cells for benign reactive cells when looking at the results of a biopsy under a microscope.<\/p>\n<p>If you aren\u2019t fully confident in your diagnosis, get a second opinion to ensure you were diagnosed correctly.<\/p>\n<p>Call <strong><a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/strong> to get matched with top mesothelioma doctors who can properly diagnose and treat you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"9\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is a biopsy for mesothelial cells?<\/h3><div><p>A biopsy is a procedure that allows doctors to remove a sample of fluid or tissue to <strong>see if mesothelial cells are present.<\/strong> It\u2019s part of a branch of medicine known as histology.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A biopsy provides doctors with details about:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How cells develop<\/li>\n<li>Which (if any) cells have abnormal changes<\/li>\n<li>The general cell-growth pattern<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In the case of a mesothelioma biopsy, doctors will look for the presence of abnormal mesothelial cells.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What type of cells are mesothelial cells?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Mesothelial cells are &lt;strong&gt;special cells that form a protective layer&lt;\/strong&gt; called the mesothelium. This layer covers and protects the organs in your chest, abdomen, and around your heart.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;These cells help produce a lubricating fluid that allows organs to move smoothly, like when your lungs expand and contract. When mesothelial cells are damaged from asbestos exposure, they can turn into cancer cells, leading to mesothelioma.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Is it normal to have mesothelial cells?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Yes,&lt;\/strong&gt; it is normal to have mesothelial cells. 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However, these cells can become cancerous if harmed by asbestos fibers that get trapped in the body.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;If a doctor thinks you may have cancer, you can get our Free Mesothelioma Guide, shipped overnight to better understand your treatment options.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What do mesothelial cells in pleural fluid mean?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Mesothelial cells in pleural fluid mean that cells from the lung lining are present in fluid taken from the chest area.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;This can indicate several conditions, ranging from inflammation or infection (pleuritis) to more serious conditions like malignant pleural effusion, which can be associated with cancers like mesothelioma.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;If your doctor sees mesothelioma cells in your pleural fluid, they\u2019ll need to do more tests to find out the underlying cause.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What are common diseases affecting mesothelial cells?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Mesothelioma is the most well-known disease affecting mesothelial cells. 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Human mesothelial cells are the building blocks for different parts of the mesothelium known as the serosal cavities and connective tissues. Mesothelial cells are a type of epithelial cell, which are cells that form the protective surface for many organs. However, benign mesothelial cells can mutate into mesothelioma cancer\u00a0after asbestos exposure.&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"parent":17,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25381","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25381","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25381"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25381\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}