Kræfttype

Kræfttype refers to the specific classification of a cancer based on the type of cell from which it originates and its microscopic appearance. This classification is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan and predicting the likely outcome for a patient. Different kræfttyper have distinct biological behaviors, meaning they can grow and spread at different rates and respond differently to therapies.

Broadly, cancers are categorized into four main groups. Carcinomas arise from epithelial cells, which line the surfaces of the body, both internally and externally. This is the most common type of cancer, including those of the lung, breast, prostate, and colon. Sarcomas originate from connective tissues, such as bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle. Lymphomas develop in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system, and typically affect lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues. Leukemias are cancers of the blood-forming tissues, usually the bone marrow, leading to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.

There are also other less common kræfttyper, such as brain and spinal cord tumors, melanomas (cancers of pigment-producing cells), and germ cell tumors. The precise identification of a kræfttype is usually achieved through a biopsy, where a sample of the tumor tissue is examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This detailed examination, along with other diagnostic tests, allows for accurate staging and grading of the cancer, which are essential components in guiding treatment decisions.