Cancer cells that have spread to distant parts of the body are called metastatic cancer. They often form new tumors in the bones, liver or lungs. They may also be found in other organs. The tumors where the cancer started are called primary or original tumors. The new tumors where the cancer has spread are called metastases or secondary tumors.
Most people die from cancer that has spread to other organs, not the original site of the cancer. This is because the cancer is more difficult to treat once it has spread. However, advances in treatment are extending the lives of people with advanced cancer.
In some cases, the cancer can be cured once it has spread. For example, in 1995, two cancer researchers described a type of metastatic disease that is not fatal if it has not spread very far from the original site. They called it oligometastasis, and they said that the survival of patients with this type of metastatic cancer depends on how much the tumor has grown and how long the person has had the disease.
The doctors who treat metastatic cancer use treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and surgery. These treatments are often more effective if they are given soon after the cancer has spread.
Doctors can test for metastatic cancer by examining blood and urine samples and by using imaging tests such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They may also take a biopsy to identify the cancerous tissue. They may also order a PET scan to help determine the location of the tumors. This test uses a radioactive dye that binds to cells and “lights up” problem areas.
It is important to let your health care team know if you are experiencing emotional symptoms such as sadness or anxiety. They can offer support and recommend ways to manage these feelings. It is also helpful to talk with other people who are dealing with the same kind of illness, such as friends, family members or cancer support groups. Some hospitals and medical centers have a chaplain who can help you find meaning in your life.
The goal of treatment for metastatic cancer is to improve the quality of your life and prolong your survival. The best way to do this depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread. It is also possible to join clinical trials that are testing cutting-edge treatments. Most of today’s standard treatments for cancer were first tested in clinical trials.
