Definition of Metastatic Cancer
Metastatic cancer is a cancer that has spreading abilities. It spreads from one part of the body to other organs affecting the healthy tissues. Giving you an example, when a breast cancer spreads to the lung, it is called metastatic breast cancer.
As defined by National Cancer Institute, Metastatic cancer is, "In metastasis, cancer cells break away from where they first formed (primary cancer), travel through the blood or lymph system, and form new tumors (metastatic tumors) in other parts of the body. The metastatic tumor is the same type of cancer as the primary tumor."
Metastatic cancer has the same name as the primary cancer but is treated as stage IV cancer.
Signs and Symptoms Metastatic Cancer
This type of cancer cannot be easily self-diagnosed. But there are certain signs and symptoms that can help recognise a disease.
When cancer reaches bone, one might experience fractures and excessive pain.
When cancer reaches brain, one might experience headaches or dizziness.
When cancer reaches lung, aspiration problem increases.
When cancer reaches liver, jaundice is one disease.
These symptoms also depend on the size and location of the metastatic tumors.
We wish Sonali Bendre who is battling this cancer, a speedy recovery.