Metastasis means
cancer spreads to a special part from where it started. When this happens, doctors say
cancer has “metastasized.” Your doctor can also call it "metastatic cancer," "advanced cancer," or "stage 4 cancer." But these terms can have different meanings. For example,
cancer that's large but has not spread to a different part also can be called advanced
cancer or locally advanced cancer. Ask your doctor to explain where
cancer has spread.
Metastases is the plural form of metastasis.
Metastases most ordinarily develop when
cancer cells break free from the most
tumor and enter the bloodstream or systema lymphaticum. These systems carry fluids around the body. This means that the
cancer cells can travel far away from the first
tumor and form new tumors once they settle and grow during a different part of the body.
Relevant Topics in Medical Sciences