Cancer is a disease that can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. It happens when cancer cells break off from the original tumour, travel through lymph nodes and blood vessels to other locations and form new tumors.
The most common sites for metastatic cancer to develop are in the bones, liver and lungs. However, it can also spread to other parts of the body including the adrenal glands, skin and nerves. Symptoms of metastasis vary depending on the area affected. They can include pain, fatigue, loss of appetite and vomiting.
Sometimes the spread of cancer is so quick that it doesn’t cause any symptoms at all. This is what is known as advanced metastatic cancer and it’s important to get checked if you notice these symptoms because it can be a sign of an underlying health issue.
A metastatic cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for anyone, but especially when it’s a stage IV disease. It’s important to know that there is no cure for this type of cancer, but it can be controlled and managed over time just like some other chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart failure.
How do you know if cancer has spread? The simplest way to tell is by doing a physical exam. Your doctor will check your overall health, listen to your heart and lungs, and do some lab work to see if there are any abnormalities. You may also be asked to have an imaging test such as an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests use sound waves or magnetic fields to create images of internal areas of the body.
Symptoms of metastasis depend on where the cancer has spread. For example, if cancer has spread to the bones, it can lead to a fractured bone, or to pain in the back or joints. If it has spread to the lungs, you might cough up blood or experience difficulty breathing. If it has spread to the brain, it can cause headaches, memory loss or trouble with movement and vision.
The type of treatment you receive depends on the location of the metastatic cancer and the type of cancer it started with. It’s also worth remembering that not all doctors will use the term ‘metastasis’ to describe the spread of cancer, and some might only call it advanced cancer or even worse, a terminal disease.
Some people with metastatic cancer will never be cured, but many of the treatments that are now standard were first developed in clinical trials. So, if you’re not already in one of these studies, talk to your doctor about joining one. This is a great opportunity to try cutting-edge therapies before they’re widely available. And it could help you live longer.
