Etäpesäkkeitä

Etäpesäkkeitä, also known as metastases, are secondary malignant tumors that form in a location distant from the primary tumor. This process occurs when cancer cells break away from the original tumor, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and travel to other parts of the body. Once these cells reach a new site, they can begin to grow and form new tumors, which are also considered cancerous.

The formation of etäpesäkkeitä is a critical step in the progression of cancer and often indicates a more advanced stage of the disease. The most common sites for metastasis depend on the type of primary cancer. For instance, breast cancer commonly metastasizes to the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. Lung cancer can spread to the brain, bones, liver, and adrenal glands.

Detecting and treating etäpesäkkeitä is a significant challenge in oncology. Treatment strategies aim to control the growth of these secondary tumors, manage symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, often tailored to the specific cancer type and the location of the metastases. Prognosis for individuals with etäpesäkkeitä generally depends on factors such as the extent of metastasis, the type of primary cancer, and the patient's overall health.