What makes cancer life-threatening is its ability to spread to the major organs. No matter where it started, it can travel through your bloodstream or lymph nodes and invade your vital organs. In medical terms, the process is called metastasis. An oncologist in Navi Mumbai provides cancer patients with an accurate diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan.
Simply put, cells from the tumor escape and enter your blood, transporting them to different parts of your body. Research regarding “how does cancer spread” is still going on. The more we know about the process, the more treatment options we can explore for a higher success rate.
How Does Cancer Spread?
Metastasis is a complex process. It starts with local invasion, in which the cancer cells break away from the tumor (in the primary site) and enter the nearby tissues.
From there, they find their way into your bloodstream and lymphatic system. That’s called intravasation. Your immune system kills most cancer cells at this stage, but a few might escape and settle in a new location. They form a secondary tumor there.
Common Sites for Metastasis
The areas invaded by the cancer cells depend on where the cancer starts. For example, cancer starting in the breast will travel to the lymph nodes of your underarms rather than your abdomen.
It also depends on the cancer cell type. These cells tend to settle in locations where they can thrive. Prostate cancer cells prefer your bones, as they offer these cells the environment to grow and spread. Here are the common locations for cancer cells to spread:
- Bladder cancer: Bones, lungs, or liver
- Breast cancer: Brain, liver, and lungs
- Prostate cancer: Bones, liver, lungs
- Lung cancer: Bones, brain, and liver
Most types of cancers spread to the lungs, liver, bones, and brain.
Detection and Diagnosis of Metastatic Cancer
Some cancers are detected when metastasized—already spread to other organs. Here’s the list of tools used for diagnosing metastatic cancer.
a) Imaging Techniques:
CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs, bone scans, and PET scans are imaging tests that locate cancer cells and show their extent of spread.
b) Biopsy:
If malignancy is suspected, your doctor might extract sample tissues and send them to the lab for testing. These cells are tested for tumor markers or abnormal growth.
Treatment Options for Metastatic Cancer
A cancer Hospital in Navi Mumbai will discuss treatment options based on the originating site of the cancer, where it has spread, and your symptoms. Depending on the location, an oncologist might start with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
In some cases, these are used in conjunction with hormonal therapy and immunotherapy. These treatment options are designed to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. In some cases, surgical removal of the tumor that has invaded a vital organ may be necessary.
Conclusion
Metastatic cancer, in most cases, is not curable, which is why early detection of cancer is key to a successful treatment. Treatment of metastatic cancer usually focuses on managing symptoms. That said, technological advancements have encouraged professionals to explore new treatment options and therapies to improve patient’s survival rates and quality of life.