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Metastasis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Kidney metastases, CT scan
Kidney metastases, CT scan
Liver metastases, CT scan
Liver metastases, CT scan
Lymph node metastases, CT scan
Lymph node metastases, CT scan
Spleen metastasis - CT scan
Spleen metastasis - CT scan

Alternative Names    Return to top

Metastatic cancer; Cancer metastases

Definition    Return to top

Metastasis is the movement or spreading of cancer cells from one organ or tissue to another. Cancer cells usually spread through the bloodstream or the lymph system.

Information    Return to top

Whether or not cancer cells metastasize (spread to) to other parts of the body depends on many factors, including:

Treatment depends on the type of cancer and where it has metastasized.

References    Return to top

Lippman SM, Hong WK. Cancer prevention. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 191.

Perry MC. Principles of cancer therapy. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 192.

Update Date: 10/20/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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