What is Metastasis ?

Metastasis means that cancer spreads to a different body part from where it started. When this happens, doctors say the cancer has “metastasized.” Your doctor may also call it "metastatic cancer," "advanced cancer," or "stage 4 cancer." But these terms can have different meanings.

For example, a cancer that is large but has not spread to another body part can also be called advanced cancer or locally advanced cancer.

How metastases develop:

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Metastases is the plural form of metastasis. Metastases most commonly develop when cancer cells break away from the main tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. These systems carry fluids around the body. This means that the cancer cells can travel far from the original tumor and form new tumors when they settle and grow in a different part of the body.

Metastases can also sometimes develop when cancer cells from the main tumor, typically in the belly, or abdominal cavity, break off and grow in nearby areas, such as in the liver, lungs, or bones.

Any type of cancer can spread. Whether this happens depends on several factors, including:

• The type of cancer. Some cancers are more likely to spread than others.
• How fast the cancer is growing
• Other factors about the behavior of the cancer that your doctor may find