Metastases
Metastases
Metastases (pronounced: meh-TAS-tuh-seez, from the Greek metastasis meaning "change of place") are the spread of a disease, especially cancer, from one part of the body to another. Metastases are a significant factor in the morbidity and mortality associated with cancer.
Definition
Metastases are formed when cancer cells break away from the original (primary) tumor, travel through the blood or lymph system, and form a new tumor in other organs or tissues of the body. The process of cancer cells spreading is called metastasis.
Types
There are several types of metastases, named for the location where the new tumor forms. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the lungs, it is called lung metastasis. Other common sites of metastases include the bone, brain, liver, and lymph nodes.
Causes
The exact cause of metastases is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a complex process of genetic mutations and interactions between cancer cells and their environment. This includes the ability of cancer cells to invade nearby tissues (invasion), to move through the walls of lymph vessels or blood vessels (intravasation), and to form new tumors (colonization).
Treatment
Treatment for metastases depends on the type and stage of the original cancer, the number and location of the metastases, the patient's age and general health, and the types of treatments the patient has had in the past. Common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Prognosis
The prognosis for patients with metastases varies widely, depending on many factors. These include the type and stage of the original cancer, the number and location of the metastases, the patient's age and general health, and the effectiveness of treatment.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Metastases
- Wikipedia's article - Metastases
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