Metastasis generally occurs when cancer cells detach from the main tumour, spreading through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and spreading to different body parts. It is also estimated that metastasis causes around 90% of cancer deaths. 

While most metastatic cancers cannot be completely cured, treatments can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. This guide covers its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, offering you the essential knowledge to manage the condition with confidence.

What is Metastatic Cancer?

Metastatic carcinoma happens when cancer spreads from its original site to other body parts. Almost all cancers can spread, but this generally depends on factors such as the size, type, and location of the first tumour.

Cancer can grow into nearby tissues by spreading through the bloodstream to distant bones or organs or moving through the lymphatic system to nearby or distant lymph nodes. Metastatic cancer is also known as metastasis, secondary cancer, stage IV cancer, or cancer with Mets.

What are the Causes of Metastasis Cancer?

Metastatic cancer occurs when cancer cells move from where they first formed to other parts of the body. This process involves several steps, including invading nearby healthy tissue, spreading through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, passing through lymph nodes or blood vessels, and settling in a distant area. 

The cancer cells then grow, form a small tumour, and develop a blood supply to keep growing. Most cancer cells die during this process, but if conditions are favourable, some survive and form new tumours. In some cases, metastatic cancer cells can stay inactive for years before starting to develop again.

Several factors can cause stage 4 metastatic cancer, which include:

• A weak immune system
• Excess lactic acid accumulates in the blood (lactic acidosis)
• Low oxygen levels in tissues (hypoxia)
• A process where cells break down and die (autophagy)

Where Metastasis Cancer Spreads?

Metastasis cancer can spread to almost any part of the body, but some types are more likely to affect certain areas. The most common places where it spreads are the bones, liver, and lungs.

The table below shows the most common sites of metastasis (excluding lymph nodes) for different types of cancer:

Cancer Type	Common Sites of Metastasis
Kidney	Adrenal gland, bone, brain, liver, one lung
Lungs	Adrenal gland, bone, brain, liver, another lung
Colon	Liver, lungs, peritoneum
Bladder	Bone, liver, lungs
Breast	Bone, brain, liver, lungs
Ovary	Liver, lungs peritoneum
Melanoma	Bone, brain, liver, lungs, skin, muscle
Stomach	Liver, lungs, peritoneum
Thyroid	Bone, liver, lungs
Rectal	Liver, lungs, peritoneum
Prostate	Adrenal gland, bone, liver, lungs
Pancreas	Liver, lungs, peritoneum
Uterus	Bone, liver, lungs, peritoneum, vagina

Symptoms of Metastasis Cancer

Metastatic cancer disease does not always cause symptoms, but when it does, they depend on the size and location of the tumours, such as:

• When this cancer spreads to the bones, it can cause fractures and pain.
• If it spreads to the brain, it may lead to headaches, dizziness, and seizures.
• When it reaches the lungs, it can cause shortness of breath.
• If it spreads to the liver, it may result in jaundice or swelling in the belly.

Diagnosis of Metastatic Cancer

Some people are diagnosed with metastatic cancer from the beginning when doctors find it during initial tests. Others usually develop metastasis after completing treatment for an earlier cancer.

In these cases, doctors examine for signs of recurrence during routine follow-ups. The doctors may use the following tests to diagnose metastatic cancer:

• Biopsy
• Bone scans
• Blood tests
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans
• CT (computed tomography) scans
• PET (positron emission tomography) scans
• Tumour marker tests
• X-rays
• Ultrasound

Treatment Options for Metastatic Cancer

Doctors treat metastatic cancer based on the original location. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the liver, it is still treated as breast cancer since the cancer cells remain the same, even though they are in a new location.

Some metastatic cancer treatment options for metastatic cancer may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy

In some cases, local treatments can also help manage symptoms. For instance, if breast cancer spreads to the bones and causes fractures or pain, doctors may use surgery or radiation to relieve discomfort and improve mobility.

Prevention of Metastatic Cancer

Metastasis cancer cannot always be prevented, but certain treatments may help lower the risk. Early detection and the right medical approach can sometimes slow or stop cancer from spreading.

Surgery and adjuvant therapy (additional treatments after surgery) may reduce the chance of metastasis. Some common adjuvant therapies mainly include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Researchers are studying approaches to hinder or prevent the spread of cancer cells, but despite best efforts, metastasis can still happen. Moreover, no proven diet can increase or decrease the risk of metastasis.

 FAQs about Metastatic Cancer

1. What is metastasis?

 Metastatic cancer occurs when cancer cells spread from their original location to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

 2. Is metastatic cancer curable?

In most cases, metastatic cancer cannot be cured. However, treatment can slow tumour growth and help manage symptoms. Some individuals can live for several years with certain types of metastatic cancer. In some cases, metastasis symptoms from cancers such as melanoma and colon cancer can be curable.

3. What are the common symptoms of metastatic cancer?

Metastatic cancer symptoms generally depend on where the cancer has spread. It may cause bone fractures and pain, seizures or headaches if it reaches the brain, shortness of breath when affecting the lungs, and jaundice or abdominal swelling if it spreads to the liver.

4. What are the survival rates for metastatic cancer?

The five-year survival rates of this cancer usually vary depending on the type of cancer. For instance, metastatic lung cancer has a 9% survival rate, meaning 9% of people diagnosed with it live for at least five years.

In contrast, the five-year survival rate for metastatic breast cancer is 30% for women and 19% for men.

However, metastatic cancer life expectancy is only estimates and does not predict how an individual will respond to treatment or how long they will live.

5. How is metastatic cancer diagnosed?

Doctors use several tests to diagnose stage 4 metastatic cancer, including biopsies, bone scans, blood tests, MRI scans, CT scans, tumour marker tests, PET scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays.

6. What treatments are available for metastatic cancer?

Metastatic cancer treatment generally depends on where the cancer started. Common options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

 In some cases, local treatments such as surgery or radiation can also help manage the symptoms.

7. Can metastatic cancer be prevented?

Metastatic carcinoma cannot always be prevented, but early detection and appropriate treatment may reduce the risk. Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are some useful approaches used to help slow or stop cancer from spreading.

 Conclusion

While most metastatic cancers cannot be cured, treatments are available to help relieve symptoms and extend life. At DocTutorials, we offer detailed explanations on numerous medical topics, including metastatic cancer. Our expert guidance, video lectures, and well-structured mock tests help students prepare effectively for the NEET PG 2025 exam. Begin your journey with DocTutorials and take a step closer to a successful medical career.