Syöpämetastaasi

Syöpämetastaasi, commonly referred to as metastasis, is the spread of cancer cells from the place where they first formed to another part of the body. When cancer cells, originating from a primary tumor, break away, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and establish new tumors in distant organs, this is called secondary or metastatic cancer. This process is a hallmark of advanced cancer and is often associated with a poorer prognosis.

The metastatic process involves several steps. First, cancer cells must detach from the primary tumor. Then, they invade the surrounding tissues and enter the circulatory or lymphatic systems. Once in circulation, these cells can travel to various parts of the body. Upon reaching a new site, they must arrest, adhere to the vessel wall, and exit the bloodstream or lymphatic vessel. Finally, these cells must survive and proliferate in the new environment to form a secondary tumor. Common sites for metastasis include the lungs, liver, bones, and brain, though the specific sites depend on the type of primary cancer. Diagnosis of metastasis typically involves imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans, along with biopsies of suspicious areas. Treatment for metastatic cancer is complex and often involves a combination of therapies aimed at controlling tumor growth, managing symptoms, and improving quality of life, rather than a complete cure.