Metastázam

Metastázam refers to the spread of cancer from its original site to other parts of the body. This process begins when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor. They can then enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system, which are the body's circulatory and drainage networks. Once inside these systems, the cancer cells can travel to distant organs and tissues.

When these circulating cancer cells arrive at a new location, they can form secondary tumors. This process is called colonization. The new tumors are made up of the same type of cancer cells as the original tumor, indicating that the spread originated from the primary cancer. For example, breast cancer that spreads to the lungs results in lung metastases that are still considered breast cancer cells.

Metastasis is a complex process that involves several stages, including invasion, intravasation, survival in circulation, extravasation, and proliferation at a secondary site. It is the primary cause of death for most cancer patients. The location of metastasis can vary depending on the type of primary cancer. For instance, prostate cancer often metastasizes to bone, while colon cancer may spread to the liver. Understanding metastasis is crucial for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Treatment strategies often aim to target both the primary tumor and any metastatic sites.