Primary Metastasis
Identified by the tissue from which it arose (parent tissue)- biopsy to determine
Primary metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells from the initial or primary site to other parts of the body, often through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. It is one of the hallmark characteristics of cancer and is a crucial step in the progression of the disease.
During primary metastasis, cancer cells detach from the original tumor and invade nearby tissue or enter the bloodstream or lymphatic vessels. Once in the bloodstream, cancer cells can travel to other parts of the body, where they can establish new tumors, or metastases.
The exact process of primary metastasis depends on the type of cancer, the location of the primary tumor, and various other factors. However, some common factors that can influence primary metastasis include the size and type of the primary tumor, the degree of differentiation of the tumor cells, and the presence of specific genetic and molecular markers that dictate the spread of cancer cells.
Primary metastasis is critical to the progression of cancer because it allows cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body, where they can continue to grow and invade nearby tissue. This can lead to more severe symptoms, a decrease in overall health, and a reduced life expectancy for the patient. As such, treatment approaches for cancer often focus on preventing or managing primary metastasis.