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Cancer cells can break loose from the primary tumor and spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis. During metastasis, cancer cells invade surrounding tissues, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and travel to distant organs or tissues where they can form new tumors. The spread of cancer cells to distant sites is a key characteristic of advanced or metastatic cancer and is a major factor in the progression and severity of the disease.

The two main routes of metastasis are:

Hematogenous Metastasis (Bloodstream):

Cancer cells can enter the bloodstream, allowing them to travel to distant organs and tissues through the circulatory system.

Once in the bloodstream, cancer cells can be carried to various organs, and some may lodge in small blood vessels at distant sites.

The ability of cancer cells to survive in the bloodstream and establish new tumors depends on several factors, including the interaction between cancer cells and the microenvironment of the target organ.

Lymphatic Metastasis:

Cancer cells can also spread through the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and nodes that transport lymph throughout the body.

Lymph nodes act as filters, and cancer cells may accumulate in lymph nodes near the primary tumor before spreading to more distant nodes.

From the lymph nodes, cancer cells can travel through the lymphatic vessels to other parts of the body.

The organs or tissues where metastatic cancer cells settle and form new tumors are called metastatic sites. The choice of metastatic sites can vary depending on the type of cancer and the characteristics of the cancer cells. Common metastatic sites include the lungs, liver, bones, and brain.

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Ramya Yerramothu

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1mo ago
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13y ago

cancer cells break loose and spread throughout the BODY

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