Metastasis Health Article

Definition

Metastasis is the movement or spreading of cancer cells from one organ or tissue to another. Cancer cells usually spread through the bloodstream or the lymph system.

Alternative Names

Metastatic cancer; Cancer metastases

Information

Whether or not cancer cells metastasize (spread to) to other parts of the body depends on many factors, including:

• The type of cancer
• The stage of the cancer
• Original location of the cancer

Treatment depends on the type of cancer and where it has metastasized.

References

Lippman SM, Hong WK. Cancer prevention. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 191.

Perry MC. Principles of cancer therapy. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 192.