Metastasis

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread from the original site of the tumor to other organs and tissues. It is the most common cause of death in cancer patients, as it allows the cancer to spread throughout the body and become more difficult to treat. Metastasis begins when cancer cells detach from the original tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. These cells then travel to other parts of the body, where they can form new tumors. This process can occur through various mechanisms, including the release of enzymes that break down the tissue barriers between organs, the spread of cancer cells through lymphatic channels, and the transport of cancer cells through the circulatory system. Metastasis is a complex process that is not fully understood, but it is known to involve several factors, including the tumor’s ability to invade surrounding tissues, the host’s immune response, and the ability of the cancer cells to survive and proliferate in different environments.