Cancer is an aggressive ailment triggered by the abnormal multiplication of malignant cells in the body that gradually accumulate or build-up to form a tumour. Cancer is a progressive disease that slowly replaces all the healthy and living tissues in the affected organ with unhealthy cells. The part of the body where cancer originates is known as the ‘primary site’of cancer and the cancer is named after it. For instance, if cancer originates in the liver, it is known as liver cancer and that originating in the lungs is known as lung cancer. However, it is pertinent to note that while some of the malignancies might be localized, most cancer cells have the tendency to spread from the primary site to other organs of the body via the blood channel. These are known as circulating tumour cells and cancer that results from this circulation is known as metastatic cancer or secondary cancer. Doctors specializing in oncology treatment in Pune suggest that the problem is quite serious and is likely to happen when the cancer is advanced.
Early detection and prompt treatment can help to negate the risks of metastatic cancer. This requires a proper diagnosis. You can find some of the best hospitals for cancer treatment in Thane, where they offer all the facilities ranging from precise diagnosis to cutting edge treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation.
Various routes via which cancer can metastasize:
The process by which cancer cells spread from the primary site of origin to the secondary site is known as metastasis. Some common cancer types along with the main sites of metastasis have been mentioned below:
- Colon cancer – peritoneum, liver and lungs
- Breast cancer – bones, brain, liver and lungs
- Renal cancer – bones, liver, lungs and adrenal gland
- Lung cancer – bones, brain, liver, adrenal gland and the other lung
- Ovarian cancer – peritoneum, liver and lungs
- Rectal cancer – peritoneum, liver and lungs
- Uterine cancer – peritoneum, liver, vagina, bones and lungs
- Thyroid cancer- bones, liver and lungs
- Pancreatic cancer – peritoneum, liver and lungs
- Stomach cancer – peritoneum, liver and lungs.
With the help of the doctors from the best hospital in Thane,we have enlisted the 4 major routes via which the cancer cells usually metastasize. These are as under:
- Trans-coelomic spread–It refers to the spread of the circulating tumour cells into the body cavities via peritoneal, pleural, pericardial or subarachnoid penetration.
- Lymphatic spread–It refers to the spread of circulating tumour cells to the regional lymph nodes in the areas surrounding the primary site of origin. Such lymph nodes are commonly known as positive nodes. From here, cancer spreads to various other parts of the body. As per the best doctors in Pune, the lymphatic spread is the most common route of early metastasis.
- Hematogenous spread–It refers to the spread of the circulating tumour cells via the veins. Hematogenous spread is quite common in case of sarcomas, however, it can also take place in case of certain carcinomas and depends greatly upon the primary site.
- Canalicular spread–It refers to the spread of the circulating tumour cells via the anatomical canalicular spaces.
Major symptoms indicating that cancer has metastasized:
Although the problem is usually detected with the help of a proper diagnosis, there are certain symptoms that might suggest that cancer has metastasized. These include:
- Severe pain in the bones and joints andincreased vulnerability to fractures (in case of metastatic bone cancer)
- Dizziness, confusion,loss of memory and seizures (in case of metastatic brain cancer)
- Difficulty in breathing and angina i.e. chest pain (in the case of metastatic lung cancer)
- Jaundice, abdominal pain, bloating, nauseaand loss of appetite (in case of metastatic liver cancer)
Early recognition of these symptoms and their treatment can significantly help to reduce the threat to the patient’s life.
Jupiter Hospital Pune, Thane - India 