Metastatic Cancer

What is Metastatic Cancer?

Metastasis is the process by which cancer or other disease advances to other parts of the body without being directly connected with it. The metastatic cancer is the one which spreads from the basic site of emergence into different parts of the body. The common areas of spread in metastatic cancer are liver, lungs, bones, lymph nodes, etc. Basically, in metastatic cancer, cancer cells break away from the site of their formation and travel through the lymph and blood system to form new tumors in other areas of the body.

Symptoms

The symptoms of metastatic cancer are generally based on the location of the metastasis. Some common signs and symptoms of metastatic cancer include:

  • Bone metastasis- Pain and fractures
  • Brain metastasis- Headache, dizziness, or seizures
  • Liver metastasis- Jaundice or swelling
  • Lung metastasis- Shortness of breath

Causes

Some routes that are responsible for the occurrence of metastatic cancer are:

  • Transcoelomic
  • Lymphatic spread
  • Hematogenous spread
  • Transplantation or implantation

Risks

There are certain risk factors that may increase a person’s chances of developing metastatic cancer:

  • Alcohol
  • Cancer causing substances
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Infectious agents

Prevention

The disease can be prevented by:

  • Limit MMP activity
  • Consume an anti-inflammatory diet
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Don’t smoke

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis of metastatic cancer involves certain tests and procedures to confirm the presence of cancerous tissue. Your doctor may ask you to perform some special tests for the same.

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How is it treated?

The main emphasis is to slow down the expansion or spread of the metastatic cancer. The treatment for metastatic cancer basically depends on the category of cancer, starting point, location of the metastasis and other factors.

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When do I contact the doctor?

You need to take an urgent appointment with your doctor if you are having regular problems in any particular part of your body. 

Book an Appointment

How does Medanta provide care?

The Cancer Institute at Medanta was established in 2010 with a vision of being a one-stop destination for solutions to all cancer patients. The Medanta Cancer Institute comprises the Division of Medical and Haemato-Oncology, Division of Radiation ..

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