Etäpesäke

Etäpesäke, also known as a metastasis or secondary tumor, refers to the spread of cancer cells from their original site in the body to a new and distant location. This process typically occurs when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and then travel to another organ or tissue. Once in the new location, these cells can begin to grow and form a new tumor, which is called an etäpesäke or metastatic tumor.

The formation of etäpesäkkeitä is a hallmark of advanced cancer and significantly complicates treatment. The location of etäpesäkkeitä can vary widely depending on the type of primary cancer. For example, breast cancer commonly metastasizes to the lungs, bones, liver, and brain. Lung cancer can spread to the brain, liver, bones, and adrenal glands. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, has a propensity to spread to many organs.

Diagnosing etäpesäkkeitä often involves imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and bone scans, as well as biopsies of suspicious areas. Treatment strategies for metastatic cancer are often more complex than for localized disease and may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, with the goal of controlling the cancer and improving the patient's quality of life. The presence of etäpesäkkeitä generally indicates a poorer prognosis.