“Change of position, state, or form; the process by which such spreading occurs”

Metastasis is a word used to describe the spread of cancer. Cancer cells have an ability to grow and spread from the place in the body where they have originated, travel to a new site & develop thriving conditions to form a new tumor i.e. metastatic tumor and then called metastatic cancer. Nearly all types of cancer have the ability to metastasize, but it depends on a variety of individual factors. Most of the Cancer shows metastasis, except Basal Cell Skin Cancer.

Metastasis can occur in three ways:

· They can grow directly into the tissue surrounding the tumor;

· Through blood vessels cancer cells travel to distant locations;

· Through the lymph system to nearby or distant lymph nodes.

The microscopic examination of tissue of developed by cancer spread reveals that the cancer cell have invaded or spread from the original or primary site. Let’s learn about

PRIMARY CANCER & SECONDARY CANCER:-

A term used to describe the original or first tumor that has formed in the body. Cancer cells from a primary cancer may spread to other parts of the body and form new, or secondary, tumors. This is called metastasis. These secondary tumors are the same type of cancer as the primary cancer.

Primary cancer is defined as the original site (organ or tissue) where cancer began. In contrast, a second or secondary cancer may be defined in a few ways; as either a new primary cancer in another region of the body or as metastasis (spread) of the original primary cancer to another region of the body.

PROCESS OF METASTASIS

· Breaking away from the original tumor and entering the bloodstream or lymphatic channels.

· Cancer cell attach to the wall of vessels & move to new site in body.

· The cancer cells thrive in new location by developing new blood vessels to achieve nutrition & grow further.

· Cancer cells conceal themselves to avoid being attacked by immune system

MOST COMMON SITES OF METASTASIS:-

Some examples:

Symptoms of Metastatic Cancer, mostly depends upon the location, size of metastasized tumor, most common symptoms noted are:-

1. Pain & fracture, when there is bone metastasis.

2. Headache, dizziness, seizures in cases of brain metastasis.

3. Respiratory distress in lung metastasis

4. Deranged liver function in Liver metastasis

5. Ascitic fluid or pleural effusion in peritoneal, omental or pleural metastasis.

Once a patient is detected with Advanced Cancer or Metastatic Cancer, the first question comes in mind is LIFE EXPECTENCY; the factors influencing a person’s survival includes:-

üAge

üOverall health

üGenetic changes in the cancer cells

üHow effective treatment is

TREATING METASTATIC CANCER:-

Cancer cells that have escaped from the first tumor tend be more resistant to cancer drugs and most of the times there can be several secondary metastatic tumors.

GOALS OF TREATMENT:-

The primary aim of treating Cancer is getting rid of the disease & complete prevention of recurrence, but when the Cancer is in advanced stage or metastatic, then the goal of treatment becomes survival of patient as long as possible with fewer adverse effects of disease on life quality.

So the steps to achieve that will be:-

· To have the fewest possible side effects from the cancer

· To have the fewest possible side effects from the cancer treatment

· For the person with cancer to have the best quality of life

· For the person with cancer to live as long as possible with the cancer

What can be done to fight the fear of Uncertainty?

After being detected, coping with uncertainty becomes important in cases of advanced & metastatic cancer, speaking to Cancer care givers, cancer care groups is a method where patients can overcome the fear, stress & depression.

• INFORMATION: - Being informed regarding what can be done or what steps can be taken helps a patient has sense of control over the situation.

• ACCEPTANCE: - Accepting the facts and stepping forward accordingly.

• BEING IN TOUCH: - Being in touch with your doctor & cancer care team.

• SHARING THE FEELINGS: - Sharing whatever your feelings or fears are, with your care team.

FOCUS ON WELLNESS: - Utilize your energy on developing methods that contribute to your wellness.