2023-10-27 19:14:36
Although cancer was a disease associated with old age, there are more and more cases of young people dying from some types of this disease, now we tell you What is germ cell cancer and why is it so dangerous?.
You probably already know about the case of Alejandra Villafañe, a Colombian actress, just 34 years old, who lost her life due to cancer on October 21.
Although initially it was assumed that the cancer had been ovarian and breast cancer, recent statements from her cousin confirmed that the type of cancer she had was an incurable and very aggressive germ cell cancer.
In fact, Alejandra was aware the entire time of what was happening to her and, according to her cousin, she took it all with a good attitude:
“She definitely loved life, but she did accept the outcome of what would be her illness with great courage (…) “He taught us what resilience, strength, and something that we admired until the last moment was his faith, because he never lost it.”
Photo: Instagram @alejandravillafane
What is germ cell cancer?
According to National Cancer Institute in the United StatesGerm cell cancer refers to a tumor in the germ cells, that is, it is a type of cancer that arises in the reproductive cells of men (sperm) or women (eggs).
Unlike other types of cancer, germ cell cancer of the ovary occurs in adolescent or young women and usually affects only one ovary.
How dangerous is germ cell cancer?
Lo dangerous germ cell cancer is that it can spread throughout the body in three ways:
Through the tissues: The cancer goes to other parts of the body apart from where it originated. Through the lymphatic system: This happens when the cancer spreads from where it started and enters the lymphatic system, distributing through the nodes to the body. .Blood route: This is when the cancer enters the bloodstream and travels to other areas of the body.
There are treatments for any of these routes, however not all are effective due to the speed with which they spread throughout the body.
Photo: iStock
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
According to New York State Department of Health, the most common age to have this type of cancer is between 65 and 84 years; However, ovarian cancer can develop in women of any age range.
Additionally, this type of cancer represents 10% of all cancers that occur in women and includes symptoms such as:
Vaginal bleeding or discharge when you have passed menopausePain or pressure in the pelvic areaAbdominal or back painFeeling of bloatingFeeling of being very full very quickly or difficulty eatingFrequent need to urinate or constipation
Now that you know What is germ cell cancer and why is it so dangerous?Remember to have constant check-ups and if there is any anomaly, go immediately to a specialist.
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