Metastasis

Metastasis is a term used in pathology to describe the process by which cancer spreads from the place where it first started (the primary site) to other parts of the body. When cancer cells break away from the original tumor, they can travel through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system (a network of vessels and nodes that helps fight infection) to distant organs and tissues. This is called lymphovascular invasion. Once these cells reach a new location, they may grow and form new tumors, known as metastases, which are the same type of cancer as the original tumor. Although any part of the body may be involved, metastases are commonly found in lymph nodes, the liver, the lungs, and bones.

Metastasis is important for several reasons:

• It indicates the cancer is advancing: When cancer spreads, it means the disease is becoming more serious and may be harder to treat. The presence of metastasis often signifies a later stage of cancer.
• It can affect the body’s functioning: Metastatic tumors can interfere with how organs work. For example, if cancer spreads to the liver, it can affect the liver’s ability to process substances in the body. If it spreads to the bones, it can cause pain and fractures.
• It guides treatment decisions: Knowing whether cancer has spread helps doctors decide on the best treatment approach. Cancers that have not spread might be treated with surgery to remove the tumor, but if there is metastasis, more systemic treatments like chemotherapy or targeted therapy might be needed to address cancer cells throughout the body.
• It affects prognosis: Generally, cancers that have spread have a more challenging prognosis than cancers that have not. The ability to control or cure the cancer depends on how much it has spread and where the new tumors are located.

Related articles on MypathologyReport

Malignant

Lymphovascular invasion (LVI)

Lymph nodes

Other helpful resources

Atlas of Pathology