Journal of Tumor Research
Open Access

Metastasis Cancer: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Payal Shivakoti^{* *}Correspondence: Payal Shivakoti, Department of Oncology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India, Email:

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Description

When cancer spreads from its original location to other parts of the body, it is referred to as metastatic cancer. The term "metastasis" is used to explain how cancer spreads. Cancer cells, in contrast to normal cells, have the capacity to develop outside of the region of your body from which they started. Metastatic cancer, advanced cancer or Stage IV cancer is terms used to describe this situation. Almost all cancers have the potential to spread depends on a variety of variables. The three different processes can result in metastatic tumours:

• They may penetrate the tissue immediately surrounding the tumor.

• Blood circulation can carry cancer cells to far-flung parts of the body.

• The lymphatic system can carry cancerous cells to neighboring or distant lymph nodes.

The most prevalent varieties include metastatic- Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Lung cancer, Kidney cancer, Thyroid cancer, colon cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Bone cancer, liver cancer. The lungs, liver, bones, and brain are the most common locations for cancer to spread. The adrenal gland, lymph nodes, skin, and other organs are other locations.

Symptoms of metastatic cancer

Some people with metastatic cancer will only have little or no symptoms. Depending on where the metastasis is, symptoms may be present.

Bone metastasis: Bone metastases can injure or not injure. Bone breakdown with a mild injury or no injury is the earliest indicator of bone metastases. An early evaluation is required for severe back pain followed by leg numbness or trouble controlling one's bowels or bladder.

Brain tumor: Headache, lightheadedness, speech difficulties, nausea, difficulty walking, and disorientation may be signs that a tumor has spread to the brain.

Lung metastasis: Cancer symptoms are typically quite ambiguous. This is due to the possibility that they resemble symptoms of other medical problems. An unproductive or productive cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, or shortness of breath is all potential warning symptoms.

Liver metastasis: Pain, a loss of appetite, nausea, ascites, or jaundice are all symptoms of liver metastases (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes).

When cancerous cells separate from the primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic arteries to different organs, it is called metastatic cancer.

The tests to diagnose metastatic cancer

There is no established method for detecting metastases. The sort of cancer you have and the symptoms you've experienced will be used to guide the tests.

Blood test: Your doctor can find out whether your liver enzymes are increased by routine blood tests. This can be a sign of liver metastases. However, even when there is advanced cancer, these blood test results frequently come back normal.

Tumor markers: Tumor markers from some malignancies can be used to track the disease following a diagnosis. Increased tumor marker levels may indicate that your cancer is progressing. Examples include:

• CEA (Carcino Embryonic Antigen) for colon cancer.

• CA-125 treatment for ovarian cancer

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a marker for prostate cancer.

• AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) and HCG for testicular cancer (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin).

Numerous tests "take pictures" of the interior of your body. The right tests depend on the cancer's nature and symptoms. Imaging testing could consist of one method for inspecting the abdomen and finding any cancer is ultrasound. It can distinguish between solid tumours and cysts that are filled with fluid in the abdomen. The CT scan (Computed Tomography) is able to find anomalies in the pelvis, head, neck, chest, and abdomen. Additionally, it can detect malignancies in the lymph nodes, liver, or lungs. A radioactive tracer that adheres to broken bones during a bone scan produces a "hot spot" on the image. It is especially helpful when scanning the entire body for signs of bone deterioration caused by cancer. Your healthcare professional may order more X-rays to assess the severity of the damage if they suspect a fracture.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, combines magnets and radio waves to create images of the inside of your body. MRI can spot brain metastases or damage to the spinal cord. Positron Emission Tomography, or PET scan, is used to find anomalies anywhere in the body. Problematic spots are "lit up" with a special dye that contains radioactive tracers.