What Does It Mean When Cancer Has Metastasized

Metastasis. In metastasis, cancer cells break away from where they first formed (primary cancer), travel through the blood or lymph system, and form new tumors (metastatic tumors) in other parts of the body.

Does metastatic mean terminal?

Most cancers of metastatic cancers do not have a good prognosis and are often labeled terminal. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) cannot be cured but can be managed with treatment.

Does metastasis mean death?

I. Metastasis is the general term used to describe the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to surrounding tissues and to distant organs and is the primary cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that metastasis is responsible for about 90% of cancer deaths.