Cancer spreads when tumor cells break away from the original site and travel to nearby areas of the body, where they grow. The most common area of the body where cancer metastasizes is bone, though it can also happen in the lungs and liver. When a patient has metastasis, the new tumors are called metastatic cancer or, more specifically, a metastatic carcinoma. Metastasis can occur at the same time as the primary tumor, or it can develop months or years later.
It is not fully understood what causes some cancers to spread. Researchers are working to gain a better understanding of how cancer cells travel and why certain cancers meetastasize to particular areas. Once a cancer has metastasized, it is no longer considered to be a primary tumor and is treated differently.
The most common symptom of metastasis is pain, but symptoms can vary depending on the location of the tumors. If the cancer spreads to the bones, it may cause bone pain or fractures. If the cancer metastasizes to the lungs, it can lead to breathing problems and fluid around the lungs. Cancer that spreads to the brain can cause headaches, blurred vision or weakness. When a patient has metastases in the liver, they might have jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
When a patient experiences any symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. The doctor will ask questions about the frequency and severity of the symptoms. They will also do an examination and order lab work, such as blood and urine tests. Doctors can use imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRIs and CT scans, to check for the presence of metastatic cancer or other health issues.
After the doctors have gathered this information, they will decide how to proceed with treatment. When a patient has metastatic cancer, it is important for them to participate in clinical trials and get the latest treatment options. This helps patients improve their chances of survival and improving their quality of life.
Once cancer metastasizes, it is more difficult to control than a localized tumor. Because of this, a patient’s prognosis is worse than when the cancer is only in the original location.
The most common treatments for metastatic cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A patient’s doctor may also use drugs, such as steroids or the chemo drug methotrexate to treat the metastases. Regardless of the type of treatment used, relieving symptoms is an important part of the care plan. This is known as palliative care. Patients should always let their care team know about any new or changing symptoms, including those from metastatic cancer.
