5 facts about Metastasis.
1. Definition
A tumor is said to have metastasized when it spreads from its primary site, to other nearby or distant parts of the body, via blood , lymph, etc.
2. What is the mechanism?
The tumor cells detach from the primary tumor, and enter the bloodstream via the process of angiogenesis, or spread via lymphatics.This mainly happens because the malignant cells possess certain properties, like an improper intracellular cementing substance.
Moreover, we know that cancer cells have mutated genes. These changes in the genes are manifested by the following-
Yes, it is. The (secondary tumor) metastasis damages the host tissue. It interferes with the functions of the organ as well. For example, liver metastasis affects the liver function. Or metastasis in the bone makes it weak and causes a pathological fracture. Tumors in the air passage may block it.
5. Do all cancers metastasize equally?
Some cancers have low chances of spreading. For example, basal cell cancer of the skin.
While, some have a greater chance. For example, breast and prostate cancers often spread to the bones, alimentary canal cancers spread to the liver, kidney cancers spread to the lungs.
Melanomas spread to liver, lungs, bones, etc.
Some sites in the body are virtually immune to metastasizing, example, muscles and spleen are rarely affected.
Also read-
What are Benign Tumors?
What is Malignancy?
5 reasons why you should study Oncology.
What is psycho-oncology?
Cancer and surgery.
What is Radiation oncology?
What is Cancer-related fatigue?
1. Definition
A tumor is said to have metastasized when it spreads from its primary site, to other nearby or distant parts of the body, via blood , lymph, etc.
2. What is the mechanism?
The tumor cells detach from the primary tumor, and enter the bloodstream via the process of angiogenesis, or spread via lymphatics.This mainly happens because the malignant cells possess certain properties, like an improper intracellular cementing substance.
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| the mechanism of metastasis via blood |
Moreover, we know that cancer cells have mutated genes. These changes in the genes are manifested by the following-
- Proteases are produced, which allow the cancerous cells to penetrate through various tissues.
- Angiogenetic factors promote formation of capillaries for the tumor, which enhance the blood circulation, and hence promote growth, wherever the tumor might be located.
- Dysregulation of adhesive factors causes the cells to be free and independent units, instead of making them act like a single tissue.
So, all the above factors collectively lead to metastasis.
Yes, it is. The (secondary tumor) metastasis damages the host tissue. It interferes with the functions of the organ as well. For example, liver metastasis affects the liver function. Or metastasis in the bone makes it weak and causes a pathological fracture. Tumors in the air passage may block it.
5. Do all cancers metastasize equally?
Some cancers have low chances of spreading. For example, basal cell cancer of the skin.
While, some have a greater chance. For example, breast and prostate cancers often spread to the bones, alimentary canal cancers spread to the liver, kidney cancers spread to the lungs.
Melanomas spread to liver, lungs, bones, etc.
Some sites in the body are virtually immune to metastasizing, example, muscles and spleen are rarely affected.
Also read-
What are Benign Tumors?
What is Malignancy?
5 reasons why you should study Oncology.
What is psycho-oncology?
Cancer and surgery.
What is Radiation oncology?
What is Cancer-related fatigue?
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