Metastaaseja

Metastaaseja is a Finnish term referring to the spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor to other parts of the body. This process is known as metastasis. When cancer metastasizes, it means the disease has progressed and become more complex to treat. Cancer cells can travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to establish new tumors in distant organs. Common sites for metastasis include the lungs, liver, bones, and brain, though the specific locations depend on the type of primary cancer.

The formation of metastases is a critical factor in cancer mortality. The presence of metastatic disease often indicates a more advanced stage of cancer, which can limit treatment options and reduce the prognosis. Identifying and understanding the extent of metastasis is crucial for staging the cancer and developing an appropriate treatment plan. This can involve various diagnostic methods such as imaging techniques like CT scans, MRI, and PET scans, as well as biopsies of suspected metastatic sites. Treatment for metastatic cancer typically aims to control tumor growth, alleviate symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life, and may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.