Áttétképzés

Áttétképzés, a Hungarian term, translates to "metastasis formation" in English. It refers to the process by which cancer cells spread from their primary site to other parts of the body. This is a critical characteristic of malignant tumors and is often responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths.

The process of metastasis involves several steps. First, cancer cells must detach from the primary tumor. This detachment is facilitated by changes in cell adhesion molecules. Following detachment, the cancer cells invade the surrounding tissues and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Once in circulation, these cells can travel to distant organs.

Upon reaching a new site, the cancer cells must adhere to the new tissue and then begin to proliferate. This proliferation forms a secondary tumor, also known as a metastatic lesion or secondary cancer. The organs most commonly affected by metastasis depend on the type of primary cancer, but common sites include the lungs, liver, bones, and brain.

Understanding áttétképzés is crucial for diagnosing, staging, and treating cancer. The presence of metastases significantly impacts a patient's prognosis and treatment options. Research into the mechanisms of metastasis aims to develop therapies that can prevent or inhibit this spread, thereby improving patient outcomes.