How are cancers named
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Summary
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These studies suggest cancers are named based on their tissue or cell of origin, molecular-genetic features, and sometimes specific nomenclature conventions like -oma for benign and -blastema for malignant tumors.
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How Are Cancers Named?
Cancer Nomenclature Based on Cell or Tissue of Origin
Cancers are primarily named based on the cell or tissue from which they originate. This fundamental principle is widely accepted in the medical community and forms the basis for most cancer classifications . For instance, a cancer that begins in the lung is called lung cancer, even if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the liver. This naming convention helps in identifying the primary site of the cancer, which is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Role of Histological and Molecular Features
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) have developed internationally accepted classifications of malignant tumors. These classifications are based on histotype (the microscopic composition of the tumor), site of origin, morphologic grade, and the spread of cancer throughout the body. Since 2000, these classifications have also started to include biological and molecular-genetic features, which have significantly impacted cancer diagnosis and treatment. For example, the 2015 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Lung, Pleura, Thymus, and Heart incorporates genetic studies and molecular testing to personalize treatment strategies for advanced lung cancer patients.
Advances in Developmental Deconvolution
Recent research has introduced the concept of developmental deconvolution to classify cancer origins more accurately. By mapping single-cell organogenesis to the transcriptomes of thousands of tumors, researchers have developed classifiers that can determine the developmental origins of cancers. These classifiers outperform traditional methods based on oncogene expression or highly variable genes . This approach has proven particularly useful for diagnosing cancers of unknown primary (CUP), where traditional methods fail to identify the tumor type .
Standardization of Terminology
Efforts have been made to standardize cancer terminology to avoid confusion and ensure consistency in diagnosis and treatment. For example, the suffix "-oma" is used for benign growths, while "-blastema" is applied to malignant tumors. This standardization helps in the clear communication of cancer diagnoses and treatment plans among healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
In summary, cancers are named based on their cell or tissue of origin, with additional classifications based on histological and molecular features. Advances in developmental deconvolution and efforts to standardize terminology further enhance the accuracy and clarity of cancer diagnoses. These naming conventions and classifications are crucial for effective cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research.
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