Primaarisyövästä

Primaarisyövästä, also known as primary cancer, refers to a cancer that originates in a specific organ or tissue. This is in contrast to secondary cancer, which is a cancer that has spread from its original site to another part of the body. For example, breast cancer that begins in the breast tissue is a primary breast cancer. If this cancer spreads to the lungs, the resulting lung tumors are considered secondary or metastatic breast cancer.

The identification of a cancer as primary is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. The type of cancer cells, their origin, and their initial location determine the most effective therapeutic strategies. Doctors will conduct various diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact site where the cancer first developed. This information guides decisions regarding surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other specialized treatments. Understanding the primary site helps predict the cancer's likely behavior and prognosis. Research into cancer often focuses on understanding the initial events that lead to the formation of primary tumors.