Cancer cells spread to other parts of the body through a series of steps: shedding from the primary tumor, detachment and migration from the vascular network, invasion of the endothelium in blood and lymphatic vessels and extravasation, finally settling in a distal organ site.
Treatment options are based on where the cancer started, your symptoms and what you want from therapy (such as cure, comfort or symptom control). You may receive one type of treatment or a combination.
Cancer cells are able to break free from the tissue they start in (the primary tumor) and spread to distant parts of the body. They travel through the blood or lymphatic system to reach new locations. The most common sites for metastasis are the liver, lungs and bones. In some cases, it may be hard to figure out where a cancer started. When that happens, doctors call it cancer of unknown primary origin.
Once cancer has metastasized, it is still considered the same type as the original tumor — it just has a different name. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the lungs, it is called metastatic breast cancer in the lungs. And if prostate cancer spreads to the liver, it is called metastatic prostate cancer in the liver.
When cancer is spreading to a new location, it often causes fluid to build up in that area of the body. For example, the lungs might develop a build-up of fluid called malignant pleural effusion or the belly might develop a build-up of fluid known as malignant ascites.
Doctors use several methods to find out if a person has metastatic cancer. They can take samples of blood or other fluids and analyze them in a lab. They can also use imaging tests to create pictures of the inside of the body. For instance, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and magnets to take pictures of the body. And positron emission tomography (PET) scans use a radioactive dye and scanner to identify problem areas.
Metastatic cancer is usually harder to treat than cancer that has not spread. But there are treatments that can slow the growth of the tumor and relieve symptoms. Some people can live for years with metastatic cancer that is well controlled.
Researchers are constantly working to learn more about how and why cancer spreads. They are also trying to find ways to improve the chances that a cancer will not spread in the first place. But even when they do find a way to prevent metastasis, it is still possible for cancer to grow and spread from one part of the body to another.
When cancer cells break away from their original location and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, they can travel to other parts of the body. When these cancer cells find a new home, they form a new tumor in another part of the body, called a metastasis.
Most often, cancer that has spread is diagnosed only after a person begins to experience symptoms in the new location. When this happens, it is usually because the cancer has already grown too large to remain in its original location. The new tumor is now known as metastatic cancer and is treated differently from the original cancer.
Some people with metastatic cancer have no symptoms at all, and others will develop them based on the type of cancer that has spread. For example, if a person has breast cancer that has spread to their bones, they may have pain or fractures of the bone, or they may have problems with their bladder or bowel. Cancer that has spread to the lungs can cause pain, coughing up blood, or breathing problems.
Occasionally, cancer can spread to the brain and cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, changes in mood, or difficulty with speech or vision. It is important that these symptoms are reported to a doctor as soon as they appear.
In some cases, the metastatic cancer can be cured, but this is not always possible. Most treatments for metastatic cancer focus on reducing pain, improving quality of life, and keeping the disease under control.
It is important for patients to discuss with their doctors what is most important to them. Many people find that they want to cure their cancer, which means getting rid of it and making sure it never comes back. Others might value symptom relief or living as long as they can. This is something that everyone should decide on with their doctor.
Often, cancer cells will spread to other parts of the body and create secondary tumors. The way in which this happens depends on the type of cancer and where it originally started. For example, some breast cancers will metastasize to the bones. Other cancers will spread to the liver or lungs.
Metastatic cancer is usually diagnosed in people who have already been treated for another condition and later found that their cancer had returned or spread to other parts of the body. The initial diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and a physical examination. In addition, doctors may perform imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI to find the location of the tumor. A biopsy will also be taken so that a pathologist can identify the specific type of cancer.
Once a person is diagnosed with metastatic cancer, they will not be cured of the disease. However, many people can live with their cancer for years with treatment that can slow down its growth or improve their quality of life. This type of treatment is called palliative care.
Symptoms that indicate the presence of a metastasis include bone pain, chest or abdominal pain and nausea. Sometimes, a person may not have any symptoms at all.
The doctor will take a history of the patient, including any previous medical conditions. The doctor will also do a physical exam to check for signs of a mass or swelling in the body. A biopsy will also be taken to diagnose a metastatic tumor.
When a person is diagnosed with metastatic cancer, the type of cancer will determine how far it has spread in the body and what treatment they will receive. The doctor may use terms like localized, regional or distant when describing the extent of the spread. Localized means the cancer is only in the area it originally started, while regional indicates that it has spread to nearby tissues or organs. Distant implies that the cancer has reached other parts of the body such as the bones, brain or liver.
Choosing a care team that has experience treating your type of cancer and with metastatic diseases can help you get better outcomes. It’s also a good idea to get support from other people who have experienced what you’re going through. You can ask your care team for resources or consider joining a support group.
When cancer spreads, it can affect many different parts of the body. Sometimes, cancer cells can travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to reach tissues and organs in distant areas of the body. This is called metastasis. Metastatic tumors can also grow and cause symptoms in the area where they form. For example, bone metastases can cause pain. If cancer spreads to the lungs, it can cause coughing and shortness of breath. If cancer spreads to the liver, it can cause a painful swelling (hepatitis).
The treatment for a metastatic tumor depends on where it is in your body and what type of cancer it is. It is important to talk to your doctor about what is most important for you. For example, some people value being able to live longer and have more quality time with loved ones. Getting the right kind of treatment can help you do both of those things.
Your doctors may order lab tests to check for and identify metastases. These may include blood tests to look for certain substances that indicate the presence of cancer, such as cytokines and tumor markers. These tests can be used to diagnose metastatic cancer as well as to monitor your response to treatment and see how well it is working.
When a cancer has spread, it is often harder to treat than the original tumor. Treatment can slow or stop the growth of cancer and relieve symptoms, but it cannot cure most metastatic cancers.
It is important to find a multidisciplinary team of experts that has experience treating your specific cancer. They will be familiar with the most current research and treatments for your disease. Ask your doctors if they have any clinical trials that are relevant to your condition.
It is common to feel a mix of emotions after being diagnosed with a metastatic cancer. You may feel fear, anxiety, frustration, anger, and grief. You may want to consider seeking out support from friends and family, and joining a support group. You can learn from others who are going through the same thing and find strength to keep fighting.
Metastatic Cancer is cancer that has spread to another part of the body from where it originally started. It is often thought of as advanced cancer because it can’t be cured, but it can sometimes be controlled over time.
Symptoms and signs are changes in the way you feel or look. They can be caused by cancer or other medical conditions.
Cancer cells can spread from the organ or tissue where they started to distant parts of the body, and this is called metastatic cancer. Some cancers are more likely to spread than others. When a cancer has spread, it’s usually considered advanced. At this point, it’s not curable.
Symptoms vary depending on where the cancer has spread. If it has spread to your bones, you may feel bone pain or notice a limp. If it has spread to your lungs, you may have a cough or feel short of breath. If the cancer has spread to your liver, you may have nausea or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
Sometimes, anorexia is caused by the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It can also be caused by a loss of appetite or stress.
Many people with metastatic cancer feel a loss of appetite. This can be caused by the cancer itself, treatment or anxiety. You should tell your doctor or specialist nurse if you have this symptom.
Metastases can develop when cancer cells break off from the main tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, which carry fluids throughout the body. They can also spread to bone or tissue.
Metastatic cancer that spreads to the lungs often causes a cough, chest pain and shortness of breath. Cancer that spreads to the liver can cause pain, nausea, weight loss, fatigue and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). It can also cause a build-up of abdominal fluid, known as ascites. Cancer that has spread to the adrenal glands may not cause any symptoms.
Cancer cells can grow so big that they push other tissue or organs aside and then spread to distant parts of the body through your bloodstream or lymphatic system. When cancer spreads this way, it is called metastatic cancer or stage 4 cancer.
Nausea is a feeling of sickness in the stomach that causes you to want to vomit. It can be a side effect of some medications or a sign of many medical conditions, including hepatitis, pancreatitis and gastrointestinal disorders like peptic ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Nausea can also be a normal part of pregnancy, known as morning sickness.
Some types of metastatic cancer can spread to the brain and cause headache, dizziness or changes in vision or speech. If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. These may be early signs that the cancer is spreading.
Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, and symptoms vary depending on where the cancer spreads. The lungs, bones and liver are common sites for metastasis. If the cancer spreads to the lungs, it may cause a cough or shortness of breath. Cancer that has spread to the liver may cause pain, loss of appetite and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
Vomiting is a common symptom of many conditions, including some types of cancer. It’s important to tell your doctor if you have a sudden or repeated episode of vomiting.
If you have a cyclical pattern of severe vomiting, it may be an indication of a condition called cyclic vomiting syndrome. This disorder can affect people of all ages and is characterized by episodes of severe vomiting that occur in a predictable rhythm.
Cancer can spread to other parts of the body, where it may cause different symptoms. It’s important to tell your doctor if you have pain, especially if it doesn’t go away or gets worse.
For example, breast cancer can spread to the bones or the lungs, where it can cause back pain or fluid around the lungs (malignant pleural effusion or malignant ascites). Cancer that has spread to the liver can cause jaundice or swelling in the abdomen.
Some types of cancer, including triple negative breast cancer, can spread to the brain. This can cause headache, changes in mood and trouble with speech or vision. You should also tell your doctor if you have a swollen arm or leg.
Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body. When they do, it’s called metastatic cancer. Sometimes doctors don’t know where the cancer came from, and it is called cancer of unknown primary origin (CUP).
Some people have very few or no symptoms when a tumor spreads to other areas. For example, a person with cancer that has spread to the bones may experience bone pain or breakage. If the cancer has spread to the liver, symptoms can include jaundice or abdominal swelling. Cancer that has spread to the brain can cause headaches, dizziness or changes in bowel habits.
Fever isn’t a common symptom of cancer, but it should never be ignored. If your fever lasts more than four days or returns, talk to your doctor. In general, a fever is more likely to have an infectious cause than noninfectious causes.
People with loss of coordination have trouble controlling their movements. They may take wide steps and stagger when they walk. They also have difficulty holding onto furniture and walls when they move around. They can often still perform basic tasks, but they might need help with more complex activities.
Cancer that spreads to the lungs can cause breathing problems and fluid around the lungs (malignant pleural effusion). If this happens, it’s important to tell your doctor right away.
Other signs and symptoms of metastatic cancer that have spread to the bone include pain, fractures, numbness, muscle weakness, and an unusually high amount of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). The type and severity of these symptoms depend on where the metastases are located. They also depend on what kind of treatment you are getting. Symptoms can be controlled, but the cancer is not always cured.
Cancer researchers have long known that some cancers are more likely to spread to the brain (metastasize) than others. This is because some of the cancer cells break away from the main tumor and travel the bloodstream or lymphatic system, like superhighways that allow them to reach almost any part of the body.
This can cause headache, dizziness, vision problems, weakness, changes in bowel habits and other symptoms that are similar to those experienced by patients with metastatic breast or lung cancer. In addition to asking about your symptoms, your doctor will take a medical history and do a physical exam, including a neurological exam and tests of your reflexes and vision. They may also order an MRI or a PET scan to identify the location of the problem. They may also request a biopsy, if necessary.
Shortness of breath (or dyspnea) is a common symptom of cancer that has spread to the lungs. It happens when the cancer causes a build-up of fluid between the layers covering the lung, or it causes the lungs to inflame or scar.
Breathing difficulty can also be a side effect of chemotherapy drugs. This is often because the drugs kill healthy cells as they fight the cancer.
It’s important to tell your doctor if you have new or changing symptoms. This helps the team to know if you need treatment for another health problem. The doctors may order tests to find what is causing your shortness of breath. They might do an MRI or PET scan to help identify the problem area. They might also take a blood sample to check the level of oxygen in your body.
Fatigue is a common side effect of cancer and its treatments. It can interfere with daily activities and last weeks, months or even years. It is often more severe than normal tiredness and does not go away with rest. It can be difficult to recognize and diagnose.
Keeping a fatigue diary can help to find patterns and triggers. It can also help to track how certain medications affect fatigue. Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and managing stress may decrease fatigue.
It is important to tell your doctor if you are feeling unusually tired. Your doctor can work with you to find the cause and help manage it. This information is provided by PDQ, a service of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider.
When cancer spreads to another part of the body, it’s called metastatic cancer. Often, the new tumors contain the same type of cancer cells as the original tumour.
Most metastatic cancers cannot be cured. However, treatments can keep the cancer under control and improve your quality of life.
Seek care at a designated comprehensive cancer center.
Surgery is a common cancer treatment, but doctors don’t use it often to treat metastatic cancer. Instead, they focus on other treatments like chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy. They might also do a combination of therapies, which work together to fight the cancer and improve your quality of life.
Metastatic cancer is hard to cure, and it can lead to a lot of complications. These might include the cancer spreading to the lining around your lungs (pleura) or to the space around your abdomen (peritoneum). The spread of these cells causes fluid to build up, which is called malignant pleural effusion or malignant ascites.
If the metastatic cancer is not very widespread, doctors may recommend surgery. This approach is based on an idea proposed 25 years ago by University of Chicago Drs. Ralph Weichselbaum and Samuel Hellman. They argued that the more limited the spread of the tumors, the better chance they have of being removed surgically and killing the cells that remain.
Before your operation, the doctor or nurse will take your vital signs and check your overall health. Then they will shave the area of your body that needs surgery and put in an IV to give you medicines. You’ll probably be given general anesthesia or local anesthesia to help you fall asleep and not feel the surgery.
Your doctor or nurse will explain what happens during surgery and what to expect afterwards. They might ask you to bring a family member or friend to your appointment to support you. This person can help you get home from the hospital and make follow-up care appointments if needed. Your doctor might also suggest that you join a support group to talk with people who have the same condition or have had similar experiences.
Many cancer drugs can cause a range of side effects. These may be mild (nausea, fatigue) or severe (hair loss, mouth sores). Your healthcare team can give you medicine to help reduce side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about any symptoms you have.
Some types of cancer spread to other parts of the body. These are called metastases. Cancer cells can travel through blood vessels to reach new areas. Then they grow and form a new tumour. Most metastatic cancers aren’t curable. But treatments can control or slow the growth of the cancer and ease or prevent symptoms.
For some tumours, doctors use chemotherapy drugs directly to the area where the cancer is growing. This is called regional chemo. The chemo can be delivered through a needle or through a soft, thin tube called a catheter. Sometimes a pump is used to control how fast the drug is given. The chemo can also be delivered into the fluid around your brain and spinal cord (intrathecal).
Cancer drugs are often given in small amounts over a long time. This is called dose-dense therapy. This gives your body a chance to recover between treatments. You may need to get treatment for 3 or more months, which is called a course of treatment. Your doctor will give you the details of your chemotherapy plan.
You’ll likely receive your chemotherapy at a designated comprehensive cancer center. This is an important step for people with metastatic cancer because these centers have teams of physicians specializing in treating your type of cancer. They offer standard treatments and clinical trials of promising new treatments. In addition, they have expertise in coordinating your care with other specialists.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may be given alone or with other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Radiation can also help control pain and other symptoms caused by the cancer or its treatment.
Your team will use imaging to customize a plan for each treatment session. They will also mark the area of your body where they will target radiation. This is done with either temporary or permanent markings (small dots). You will lie on a table and stay very still during the sessions. A mask or mold might be used to help you hold your head in a certain position. Radiation can cause side effects such as swelling, hair loss, and fatigue. Your doctor can prescribe medicines to ease these side effects.
Metastatic cancer that spreads to the lungs may cause symptoms such as coughing up blood, chest pain, or fluid around the lungs (malignant pleural effusion). Radiation can help reduce these symptoms and improve your quality of life.
For some types of metastasis, doctors can target the cancer directly with a catheter and radioactive beads. This is called radiofrequency ablation or stereotactic body radiation therapy.
When deciding whether or not to get treatment for metastatic cancer, it’s important to talk with your health care team about what matters most to you. For many people, curing cancer is a goal that gives hope and meaning to their lives. For others, extending their time with family and friends or living as comfortably as possible is more important. It is important to discuss these priorities with your health care team and find a treatment that works for you.