Metastatic Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Metastatic cancer is a cancer that has spread beyond the point of origin to other distant areas of the body. It occurs when cancer cells break off from the original tumor , enter the bloodstream or lymph system and spread to other areas of the body. Most of the metastatic cancer are manageable but not curable. Mostly cancers have the potential to metastasize, but whether they do depends upon many factors.

Metastatic Cancer spread

Most forms of cancer can metastasize, and they can occur in three ways:

1. Cancer cells can grow directly into the tissue surrounding the tumour.
2. Cancer cells can travel through the bloodstream to different parts of the body. 
3. Cancer cells can travel through the lymphatic system to different lymph nodes throughout the body. 

Metastatic cancer is an advanced form of cancer. However, it is hard to detect without a proper diagnosis because the affected patient might not even know they have cancer. To better understand this, let us look at the symptoms and causes of metastatic cancer. 

One of the most prominent celebrities named Sonali Bendre was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer what she said was started with a niggling pain. In 2018, Twitter and Instagram were taken by storm as Sonali Bendre announced that she has been diagnosed with Metastatic cancer. “Sometimes when you least expect it, life throws you a curveball..” was what she wrote. 

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Metastatic Cancer Symptoms

Metastatic cancer is hard to figure out because some people will have minimal or no symptoms of metastatic cancer. However, in the event that symptoms are present, they will differ based on the location of the metastasis. Let’s learn more about this:

Bone Metastasis

The first sign of bone metastasis is bone breaking after a minor or no injury. Patients who complain of severe back pain accompanied by leg numbness or difficulty with bowel or bladder movement must be evaluated immediately. 

Brain Metastasis 

If a tumor has metastasized in the brain, then the symptoms may include headache, dizziness, visual problems, nausea, difficulty in walking or confusion. 

Lung Metastasis 

Cancer symptoms of lung metastasis are similar to symptoms of other health conditions and, therefore, can be vague. However, warning signs for lung metastasis might include cough, coughing blood, chest pain and shortness of breath. 

Liver Metastasis

A metastasis of the liver can cause pain, weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes), loss of appetite or abdominal fluid (ascites)

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Metastatic Cancer Causes

Metastatic cancer occurs when cancer cells break off from the main tumour and spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system, the bloodstream or spread to tissues surrounding the area around the original tumour. 

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Metastatic Cancer Diagnosis

Unfortunately there is no standard diagnosis to check for metastasis. As a doctor, you will have to order tests based on the type of cancer the patient develops and the symptoms they display. 

The following are some of the tests that can be ordered to run a diagnosis for metastatic cancer. 

Blood Tests 

Routine blood tests are a good way to check for liver metastasis as blood test results can indicate if liver enzymes are elevated. However, in many cases, blood test results are normal even in the presence of metastasis. 

Tumor Markers

Some cancer types have tumor markers that make it easy to monitor the cancer after diagnosis. For example, colon cancer (CEA or carcinoembryonic antigen), ovarian cancer (CA-125), prostate cancer (PSA or prostate-specific antigen) and testes cancer (AFP or alpha-feto-protein and HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin) have specific markers that can be used to monitor the spread of the cancer. 

At the same time, there are many types of cancer where the tumor markers are less specific and therefore, are not used as a tool for diagnosis. 

Imaging

Imaging tests are used to reveal what’s inside the body by creating images of them. Again, the type of tests that should be ordered depends on the symptoms displayed by the patient.

The following are some of the tests that can be used to check for metastasis.  

• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a good way to identify any tumors and check the abdomen for fluids. This can easily show the difference between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses. 
• CT Scan: This is a test used to detect abnormalities in the head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis. In addition, this can also be used to identify tumors in the lungs, liver or lymph nodes. 
• Bone scan: Damaged bones show up as a ‘’hotspot’’ in this test. Bone scans are done with a radioactive tracer and are used to evaluate the whole body for cancer-related bone damage.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This test uses radio waves and magnets to create images of the inside of a patient's body and it can be used to detect spinal cord damage and identify brain metastasis. 
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan: This test can detect abnormalities anywhere in the body by using a special type of dye containing radioactive tracers that light up problematic areas in the body. 

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Metastatic Cancer Treatment

The treatment for metastasis is based on the original site of the cancer. For example, if a person has breast cancer and the cancer has spread to the liver, it is still treated as breast cancer. This is done so because although the cancer has spread to a new place, the cells themselves haven’t changed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is metastatic cancer?
   • Metastatic cancer occurs when cancer cells spread from their original site to other parts of the body.
2. What are the common symptoms of metastatic cancer?
   • Symptoms can vary based on where the cancer has spread, but may include pain, weight loss, fatigue, and symptoms specific to the affected organs.
3. How is metastatic cancer diagnosed?
   • Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET scans), biopsies, and blood tests.
4. What are the common sites for metastasis?
   • Common sites include the liver, lungs, bones, and brain, though cancer can spread to other areas as well.
5. Can metastatic cancer be cured?
   • While metastatic cancer is often not curable, treatments can help manage the disease, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.
6. What are the main causes of metastatic cancer?
   • Metastasis occurs when cancer cells break away from a primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
7. How is metastatic cancer different from primary cancer?
   • Primary cancer refers to the original tumor, while metastatic cancer refers to cancer that has spread beyond the primary site.
8. What types of cancer are most likely to metastasize?
   • Many cancers can metastasize, but breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers are among the most common to spread.
9. What treatment options are available for metastatic cancer?
   • Treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, depending on the type and location of the cancer.
10. How is the treatment plan determined for metastatic cancer?
    • Treatment plans are based on factors like cancer type, location, extent of spread, and the patient’s overall health and preferences.
11. What role does palliative care play in metastatic cancer?
    • Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with metastatic cancer, alongside other treatments.
12. Are there any new advancements in the treatment of metastatic cancer?
    • Research is ongoing, with advancements including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and personalized medicine. These new options are very promising.
13. How does metastatic cancer affect a patient’s prognosis?
    • Metastatic cancer generally has a more complex prognosis, as it indicates that cancer has spread beyond the primary site, impacting treatment options and outcomes.
14. Can lifestyle changes help manage metastatic cancer?
    • While lifestyle changes alone cannot cure metastatic cancer, a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management can support overall well-being and increase the treatment's effectiveness.
15. What are the potential side effects of treatments for metastatic cancer?
    • Side effects vary by treatment but can include nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and increased susceptibility to infections.
16. How often should follow-up appointments be scheduled for metastatic cancer?
    • Follow-up schedules depend on individual cases and treatment plans, but regular appointments are crucial for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment.
17. Can metastatic cancer go into remission?
    • Yes, metastatic cancer can go into remission, meaning the cancer may shrink or become undetectable, but ongoing treatment and monitoring are usually required.
18. What support resources are available for patients with metastatic cancer?
    • Support resources include cancer support groups, counseling services, and patient advocacy organizations that provide emotional and practical support.
19. How can family and friends support a loved one with metastatic cancer?
    • Providing emotional support, helping with daily tasks, and offering companionship can be valuable ways to support someone with metastatic cancer.
20. What should patients know about clinical trials for metastatic cancer?
    • Clinical trials offer access to new treatments and therapies and can be a valuable option for patients. It’s important to discuss potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider.

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