Metastatic cancer is the most dreaded one, say doctors

Stating that this is a very advanced form of the disease, Dr T Shankar, an oncologist, said, “It spreads rapidly to the entire body from where it actually started as its biological behaviour is extremely aggressive.”

Explaining the concept, he said that the cells break away from that tumour, spread through the blood to other parts, creating new tumours there as well. Besides, these tumours are found to be different from the initial tumour which started.

“There are instances where tumours that have been caused due to the spread are found before the original tumour is detected and it may be very hard to even figure out where the cancer originated,” he stated.

Metastatic cancer is caused when cancer cells break away from a tumour and travel to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or via blood, he added

While other cancers fall in stages - T1, T2, T3 and T4, Samu John, research student at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, in Thiruvananthapuram, said, “Metastatic cancer is basically the advanced stage. As it is aggressive, its spread is rapid and hence many fear that the chances of survival is lesser than in the case of other cancers, which is not always true. If treated with utmost care, there is a possibility to cure the person.” While cancer cells that break off mostly travel through the bloodstream, in this case, the cells travel through the lymph system and they could end up in nearby lymph nodes or spread to other organs. “However, the treatment depends on the status of the cancer and also the diagnosis that is involved. While it spreads to other organs quickly, when diagnosed, it is not necessary that it has already spread to all the other organs. It is therefore essential that in case any of the symptoms are detected, meeting a doctor immediately is very important,” said Shankar.

He added, “If you experience pain, show it to a doctor immediately. Fractures are common when the cancer spreads to the bones. Besides, the shortness of breath is also common, when the cancer has managed to spread to the lungs. Dizziness, headaches and seizures are the symptoms of the cancer having spread to the brain, and lastly, if it has affected your liver, it may lead to jaundice or bloating/swelling in the belly.”

The acceptance of metastatic cancer is pretty difficult for the patient. “However, if patients come forward for treatment when they identify the symptoms, it is usually treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Immunotherapy and target therapy are also used for the treatment. However, one of the only ways to tackle this cancer is to take immediate action in beginning the treatment,” said Shankar.