Navigating cancer can be overwhelming, especially with all of the medical jargon that comes along with it. Metastatic cancer is a term that carries a lot of weight in the cancer community, and can strike fear in the hearts of those trying to balance their diagnosis with living life to the fullest. But understanding the term and how it relates to your specific cancer, cancer treatment and survivability is important. What is metastatic cancer, and what can we do to reduce the apprehension around this designation? Let’s define this confusing term. 

What is Metastatic Cancer?

Metastatic cancer is a tumor that has spread from its point of origin to another part of the body. The process by which this happens is called metastasis, and the new cancers are called metastases. Metastatic cancer is also called stage four (IV) cancer for many types of cancer.

Cancer cells have a tendency to move through the body, but are often eradicated by the body’s defenses before they get too far. However, if conditions are favorable for growth, the cells will travel through the lymphatic system, blood vessels, and even normal tissue to establish metastases. 

Metastatic carcinomas can spread to any part of the body, though some locations are more common with certain cancers. For example, cancer spread to the brain is most common with breast cancer, kidney cancer, and melanoma. 

Secondary vs. Primary Cancers 

In metastatic cancer, the original location of the cancer is called the “primary cancer.” The location it has spread to is the “secondary cancer.” Although cancer is now present in a new location, falling under the definition of metastatic, the new cancer is still considered part of the original cancer, and is therefore referred to by the original name. For example, if breast cancer that has spread to the brain is still considered breast cancer. In this case, the breast cancer would be the initial, or primary, cancer and brain cancer is the secondary cancer. 

Recurring & Multiple Primary Cancers (MPC) 

It is possible  that a patient can have multiple primary cancer (MPC) occurrences, for instance being diagnosed with breast cancer and ovarian cancer simultaneously. A new incidence isn’t necessarily metastatic disease. It’s important to know if the cancer is metastatic or an instance of MPC because treatment options can vary wildly for the two situations.

The same goes for a recurring cancer, or a situation in which a previously inactive cancer has returned. In this case, people might say that their “cancer has come back” or they are “no longer in remission.” It is still the original cancer, and not necessarily a metastatic version of the cancer.

Who Gets Diagnosed With Metastatic Cancer?

As the number of overall cancer survivors increases with improved technology and medical advancements, so does the rate of metastatic cancer occurrence. Patients are living longer, and tumors therefore have the chance to go through metastasis. Metastatic cancer life expectancy varies by type and location, but it is estimated that well over half a million people in the United States are living with the diagnosis. 

Metastatic Cancer Symptoms

Unlike early stage cancers, cancer metastasis is often accompanied by symptoms. Metastatic cancer symptoms often vary depending on the location to which they travel, but can include pain in the area, swelling, and headaches. Common general metastasis symptoms include extreme fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. 

Metastatic Cancer Treatment

Treatment is often an option, and will vary depending on the severity and location of the metastases. Promising research shows new hope in the fight against late stage cancers, and there are current treatments available for most types. Treatments can include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation, immunotherapy, cryoimmunotherapy, surgery, and targeted therapy. 

While taking healthy living seriously can reduce cancer occurrences in general, there is no surefire way to prevent metastasis from occurring. Early detection of metastatic cancer greatly improves the success rate of these treatments, so go to the doctor if you have symptoms. Most metastatic cancers have symptoms unlike early stages. 

Remember, knowledge is power! The sooner you are diagnosed the sooner you can begin treatment. And the sooner treatment begins, the better your odds are. If you can’t afford to go to the doctor, please contact SHAREing & CAREing. We can help you get the care you need at a free or reduced cost. While a metastatic cancer diagnosis can seem overwhelming, it is far from the end of one’s cancer journey.

Sources:

• Metastatic Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute
• Survival After Bone Metastasis by Primary Cancer Type, Epidemiology
• Estimation of the Number of Individuals Living with Metastatic Cancer in the United States, Journal of the National Cancer Institute
• Secondary Cancer, National Cancer Institute
• What is Metastasis?, Cleveland Clinic
• Metastatic Cancer: When Cancer Spreads, National Cancer Institute
• Metastatic Melanoma, StatPearls.