Metastasic vs. Metastasis — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 9, 2024
Metastatic refers to the spread of cancer from its original site to different body parts, while metastasis is the process or stage of cancer spreading.
Difference Between Metastasic and Metastasis
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Metastatic cancer describes cells that have spread from their original location to other parts of the body, indicating an advanced stage of the disease. Whereas metastasis refers to the singular event or process through which cancer cells detach, travel, and establish new tumors in distant organs.
The development of metastatic tumors is a critical concern in cancer treatment, as it often signifies incurable conditions and focuses on palliative care. Conversely, studying metastasis provides insights into cancer biology, helping researchers find ways to prevent or limit cancer spread.
Metastatic conditions require targeted therapies and sometimes systemic treatment options like chemotherapy or immunotherapy, aimed at controlling the spread. Meanwhile, understanding metastasis is key to developing these treatments, as it involves unraveling how cancer cells communicate, survive, and thrive in new environments.
In clinical settings, metastatic disease is often detected through imaging tests and biopsy, confirming the cancer's spread and helping guide treatment decisions. Metastasis, in its study, involves molecular and cellular analysis to identify potential targets for therapy and prevent the spread.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to the spread of cancer
The process of cancer spreading
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Focus
The condition of having secondary tumors
The process or stage of spreading
Clinical Implication
Indicates advanced cancer, needing management
Crucial for understanding and preventing spread
Treatment Orientation
Often palliative, targeting symptoms
Aimed at understanding and interrupting spread
Research and Diagnosis
Detected via imaging and biopsy
Studied through cellular mechanisms
Compare with Definitions
Metastasic
Diagnosed through various imaging tests that reveal the presence of tumors in new locations.
A PET scan can show metastatic activity in distant organs.
Metastasis
The process by which cancer cells spread from the place where they first formed to another part of the body.
The metastasis of lung cancer to the brain is a serious complication.
Metastasic
Indicates an advanced stage of cancer, often associated with a more complex treatment strategy.
Metastatic melanoma requires aggressive treatment due to its potential to spread rapidly.
Metastasis
Affects the approach to cancer treatment and patient prognosis.
Early detection of metastasis in colorectal cancer can significantly influence treatment decisions.
Metastasic
Focuses on systemic therapies to control or reduce the spread of cancer.
Patients with metastatic prostate cancer might receive hormone therapy as part of their treatment plan.
Metastasis
Understanding the mechanisms can lead to better preventative strategies and treatments.
Identifying markers for metastasis can help predict cancer progression.
Metastasic
Relating to the spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other body parts.
Metastatic cancer cells can travel to the bone, liver, and lungs.
Metastasis
A key area of cancer research focused on preventing the spread of cancer.
Research on cancer metastasis aims to discover how to block cancer cells from attaching to new sites.
Metastasic
Often signifies a challenging prognosis, with treatments aimed at prolonging life and relieving symptoms.
Despite the grave prognosis of metastatic pancreatic cancer, new therapies are improving outcomes.
Metastasis
Metastasis is a pathogenic agent's spread from an initial or primary site to a different or secondary site within the host's body; the term is typically used when referring to metastasis by a cancerous tumor. The newly pathological sites, then, are metastases (mets).
Metastasic
Of, pertaining to, or resulting from metastasis
Metastasis
A secondary cancerous growth formed by transmission of cancerous cells from a primary growth located elsewhere in the body.
Metastasis
A change in nature, form, or quality.
Metastasis
(medicine) The transference of a bodily function or disease to another part of the body, specifically the development of a secondary area of disease remote from the original site, as with some cancers.
Metastasis
(metaphor) The spread of a harmful event to another location, like the metastasis of a cancer.
Metastasis
(rhetoric) Denying adversaries' arguments and turning the arguments back on them.
Metastasis
A spiritual change, as during baptism.
Metastasis
A change in the location of a disease, as from one part to another.
Metastasis
The act or process by which matter is taken up by cells or tissues and is transformed into other matter; in plants, the act or process by which are produced all of those chemical changes in the constituents of the plant which are not accompanied by a production of organic matter; metabolism.
Metastasis
The spreading of a disease to another part of the body
Metastasis
The organic processes (in a cell or organism) that are necessary for life
Common Curiosities
What are common sites for metastasis?
Common sites include the bones, liver, lungs, and brain.
Is metastasis the same as metastatic?
No, metastasis refers to the process of cancer spreading, while metastatic describes the cancer that has spread.
Can all types of cancer metastasize?
Most types of cancer have the potential to metastasize, but some are more likely to spread than others.
What is metastatic cancer?
Metastatic cancer is cancer that has spread from its original site to other parts of the body.
How is metastatic cancer diagnosed?
Through imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, and biopsies.
Can metastasis be prevented?
While not all metastasis can be prevented, early detection and treatment of the primary tumor can reduce the risk.
What treatments are available for metastatic cancer?
Treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and targeted therapies, depending on the cancer type and spread.
How does studying metastasis help in cancer treatment?
It helps by identifying targets for treatment to prevent cancer from spreading and improving survival rates.
Can metastasis occur after cancer is treated?
Yes, metastasis can occur years after the original cancer is treated, known as a recurrence.
Is pain a common symptom of metastatic cancer?
Yes, pain can be a symptom, especially if the cancer has spread to the bones or other sensitive areas.
Does metastasis mean the cancer is terminal?
Not always, but metastatic cancer is generally considered advanced and more challenging to treat.
How can the risk of metastasis be reduced?
Through early detection, appropriate treatment of the primary cancer, and lifestyle factors.
Do all metastases grow at the same rate?
No, the growth rate can vary depending on the cancer type and other factors.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
