When cancer cells have metastasized, they have grown into a malignant tumor and have spread to other parts of the body. Because of their ability to hide from the body’s immune system, cancer cells can survive for years before they begin to die. The goal of treatment is to keep the cancer cells in check while they remain inactive. Once cancer cells have metastasized, the cancer cells can no longer be removed by surgery, although there are treatments to slow their growth.
When cancer cells meetastasize, they must first break free from the primary tumor and invade the circulatory and lymphatic systems to reach another part of the body. The body uses many mechanisms to prevent metastasis, including immune system activation, tumor-suppressing drugs, and radiation therapy. Research focuses on studying the mechanisms by which cancer cells alter their DNA to increase their chance of spreading to other organs.
One of the most common ways that cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body is by breaking off from the primary tumor and spreading to distant parts of the body. When cancer cells spread to distant organs, they are called “metastases.” The new metastatic tumor contains the same cancer cells as the original one. A breast cancer tumor, for example, can spread to the liver. But the main tumor may not have spread to all areas of the body.
Once cancer cells have spread to the liver, they may continue to travel through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. They may even break free and form new tumors in other parts of the body. The cause of this process can be genetic or environmental. Most cancers involve both. Ultimately, the goal is to stop the tumor from growing and spreading. When cancer cells have metastasized, they may be resistant to current treatments.
Bone metastasis is a common cause of bone pain. These cancer cells often move to bone from the primary tumor site. These bone metastases move to the bone and can cause pain and weakness in the affected areas. Patients must be aware of the signs and symptoms of bone metastases so they can properly manage the condition. If diagnosed early, these metastases are treatable. You can also expect to live a normal life despite the disease.
Treatment for metastatic cancer is usually focused on halting the growth of the disease and improving quality of life. While they do not cure cancer, they can keep it under control for many years. The type of cancer and how far the cancer has spread determine treatment recommendations. Treatment may involve systemic therapy, which affects the entire body. This treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapies, and hormonal therapies. A doctor may also give you palliative care.
Endocrine therapy can also slow the spread of cancer by suppressing male hormones. In some cases, testicular surgery is necessary, and hormonal drugs are used to reduce these hormones. Surgical treatment is another option, and it can be combined with radiation therapy if you’d like. These treatments usually have a shorter waiting period, and they can also be used in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery. However, radiation therapy is still the mainstay treatment for metastatic cancer.
