Metastatic cancer refers to cancer that has spread from the place where it first started (the primary site) to other parts of the body. The process of cancer spreading is known as metastasis. Metastatic cancer carries the same name as the primary cancer. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the liver is still called metastatic breast cancer, not liver cancer. Here are some key aspects of metastatic cancers:
- How Metastasis Occurs: Cancer cells can break away from the primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Once these cells lodge in new tissues, they can start to grow and form new tumors.
- Common Sites of Metastasis: Different cancers tend to spread to specific areas, though they can metastasize anywhere. For instance, lung cancer often spreads to the brain or bones, breast cancer to bones or liver, and prostate cancer frequently metastasizes to bones.
- Symptoms: Symptoms of metastatic cancer depend on the size and location of the metastasis. For example, cancer that spreads to the bones can cause pain or fractures, while cancer that spreads to the brain can cause headaches, dizziness, or seizures.
- Diagnosis: In addition to the tests used to diagnose the primary cancer, additional tests (like bone scans, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans) can be used to find out where else in the body the cancer has spread.
- Treatment: Treatment for metastatic cancer focuses on controlling the cancer's growth and spread and relieving symptoms caused by the cancer. It often involves systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. Radiation therapy may also be used to shrink tumors and reduce symptoms.
- Palliative Care: Since metastatic cancer can be challenging to treat and can cause significant symptoms and discomfort, palliative care becomes an essential part of the treatment plan. This care focuses on improving quality of life by managing pain and other symptoms.
- Survival and Prognosis: The prognosis for metastatic cancer varies greatly depending on the type of primary cancer, where it has spread, the available treatments, and the patient's overall health. While some types of metastatic cancer can be cured or controlled for years, many cannot be cured. In these cases, the aim is to prolong and improve quality of life.
- Clinical Trials and Research: Many clinical trials are focused on metastatic cancer, exploring new treatments and combinations of treatments. Ongoing research is also trying to understand why some cancer cells metastasize and others do not, which could lead to new ways to prevent or treat metastatic cancer.
- Psychological Impact: Living with metastatic cancer can be challenging emotionally as well as physically. Support from health care teams, counselors, support groups, and patient advocacy organizations can be invaluable.
Metastatic cancer represents a complex and often more challenging stage of cancer treatment, requiring a multidisciplinary approach and often personalized treatment strategies. Advances in medical research, however, are continually improving the ways this type of cancer is treated and managed.