Metastasis

METASTASIS Metastasis 

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is the spread of a disease from one organ or part to another non-adjacent organ or part In origin metastasis is a Greek word meaning "displacement", from μετά, meta, "next", and στάσις, stasis, "placement". The symptoms of metastasis vary with location of the tumors. Initially, nearby lymph nodes are struck early. Lungs, bones, liver, and brain are the most common metastasis locations from solid tumors. In lymph nodes, a common symptom is lymphadenopathy Lungs: cough, hemoptysis and dyspnea (shortness of breath) Liver: hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), nausea and jaundice Bones: bone pain, fracture of affected bones Brain: neurological symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and vertigo.

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Routes of Metastasis

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Transcoelomic The spread into body cavities occurs by the seeding surface of the peritoneal, pleural, pericardial or subarachnoid spaces. For example, ovarian tumours spreads transperitoneally to the surface of the liver. Mesothelioma can spread through the pleuralcavity.

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Lymphatic spread Invasion into the lymphatic system is followed by the transport of tumor cells to regional lymph nodes and ultimately to other parts of the body. This is the most common route of metastasis for carcinomas. Haematogenous spread This is typical of all sarcomas but it is the favored route in certain carcinomas (e.g. those originating in kidneys). Because of their thinner walls veins are more frequently invaded than arteries and metastasis follows the pattern of the venous flows. Transplantation or implantation Mechanical carriage of fragments of tumor cells by surgical instruments during operation or the use of needles during diagnostic procedures.