Metastasized cancer, When tumor cells metastasize

Metastasis cancer is the spread of a certain type of cancer from one organ or part to a non-adjacent organ or part. Malignant tumor cells and infections can metastasize. Cancerous cells can break away, leak or spill from a primary tumor and enter the lymphatic system as well as the blood vessels. They can circulate through the blood stream and start growth within normal tissues elsewhere in the body. Metastasis is a major characteristic of malignancy and most tumors and neoplasms can metastasize although in varying degrees.

When tumor cells metastasize, the resulting tumor is called a secondary or metastatic tumor or simply metastasis cancer. The cells in the metastatic tumor are the same as those in the original tumor. If for example breast cancer metastasizes to the liver, the secondary tumor is made up of abnormal breast cells and not abnormal liver cells. The tumor in the liver is therefore called metastatic breast cancer and not liver cancer.

Metastatic tumors are common in the advanced stages of cancer and the spread of metastases may occur via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system or through both. The lungs, liver, brain and the bones are the most common areas for metastases to develop. Malignant cells break away from the primary tumor, attach to and degrade the proteins that make up the surrounding extracellular matrix which separates the tumor from the adjoining tissue. By degrading the proteins, the cancerous cells are able to penetrate the extracellular matrix and escape.

Metastasis cancer can be treated with radio surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Other treatment methods include biological therapy, hormone therapy, surgery or through a combination of any two. The choice of treatment normally depends on the type of primary cancer, the size and location of the metastasis as well as the patient’s age and general health.

Posted in: Cancer

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