Primary tumor

The primary tumor ( primary tumor ) is called with a malignant, metastatic tumor, the original tumor from which the metastases ( metastases ) are assumed.

In some cancers initially make the metastases by noticeable symptoms. They retain some properties of the original tissue in a greater or lesser extent, such as the expression of certain proteins. Knowing the geweblichen origin is important, for example, to assess the response of malignant cells to chemotherapy or radiation. The purpose of the search for the primary tumor is thus the adjustment of the treatment and the estimation of prognosis.

• Cancer