vähivormi

Vähivormi is the Estonian term for a form or subtype of cancer. It refers to a category within a cancer type that is defined by its tissue of origin, histological appearance, or molecular characteristics. Identifying the specific form helps guide diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decisions.

Classification of cancer forms covers broad groups such as carcinomas (epithelial cancers), sarcomas (connective tissue), melanomas (pigmented skin cancers), lymphomas (lymphatic system), leukemias (blood and bone marrow), and central nervous system tumors. Within these groups, forms are further distinguished by histology, grade, stage, and molecular markers. For example, molecular profiling can identify targets or mutations that influence therapy, such as receptor status or specific gene alterations.

Diagnosis typically combines histopathological examination of tissue, immunohistochemical staining, and molecular genetic testing, with imaging studies to determine extent. Staging and grading systems, such as TNM and differentiation grade, aid in assessing severity and likely behavior of the form.

Impact on treatment and prognosis varies by form. Treatment plans may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or immunotherapies tailored to the cancer form and its molecular characteristics. Prognosis depends on the form's type, stage at diagnosis, grade, and patient factors.

Etymology: the term combines the Estonian words for cancer (vähk) and form (vorm). See also oncology, pathology, cancer, and tumor classification.