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Metastasis

Definition

• Metastasis is the spread of a disease (usually cancer) from an original site of infection to other parts of the body. Metastatis usually happens when cancer cells break off from the original (primary) tumor and travel through the blood vessels or lymph system to a new site.

Metastatic is used to describe a cancer that has metastasized, e.g. "metastatic breast cancer". Metastases refers to two or more metastatic tumors.

Do not confuse this term with metathesis which is complete unrelated.

Additional Info Metastatic cancers usually indicate a malignant primary cancer, one that is life-threatening and possibly incurable. The metastic tumor cells are generally like those at the original tumor site and can indicate the original site where the cancer first developed in the body. Some cancers metastasize easily and others do not. Factors that affect the likelihood of metastasis include the location, type, stage, and size of the original tumor. Some metastatic cancers can be successfully treated whereas others, such as most pancreatic and lung cancers, are generally fatal. MSDS Relevance See malignant. This term is unlikely to appear on an MSDS except for a possible description of health effects such as "metastatic bone cancer" etc.

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Further Reading

• A terrific multipage article on metastasis at American Scientist Online.
• Metastatic Cancer: Questions and Answers at the US's National Cancer Institute.
• Bone Metastasis at The American Cancer Society.
• Brain Metastasis at eMedicine.
• Cancer, including Breast and Prostate at BioMedSearch, a search engine for highly technical info on the topic.

See also: carcinogen, leukemia, malignant.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.