Metastattisessa

Metastasis is a medical term used to describe the spread of cancer cells from the primary site, where the cancer originated, to other parts of the body. This process is also known as metastatic dissemination. Metastasis is a complex and multi-step process, involving several mechanisms that allow cancer cells to invade surrounding tissues, migrate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and establish new colonies of cancer cells in distant organs.

During metastasis, cancer cells undergo significant changes that enable them to survive and proliferate in new environments. These changes include the development of increased invasiveness, motility, and angiogenic potential. Cancer cells may also acquire new genetic mutations that confer a survival advantage, such as resistance to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Metastasis can occur through various routes, including the hematogenous (blood-borne) route, lymphatic route, and peritoneal (abdominal cavity) route. The most common organ sites for metastasis include the lungs, liver, bones, and brain. The likelihood of metastasis depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the presence of cancer stem cells, and the patient's overall health status.

Metastasis is a major factor contributing to the progression and mortality of cancer, as it significantly increases the burden of cancer on the body. As a result, research into the mechanisms of metastasis has been a major focus of cancer research in recent years, with the goal of developing new therapeutic strategies to inhibit cancer cell migration and colonization.