Is Metastatic Cancer Always Lethal?
Is Metastatic Cancer Always Lethal?
Many tumours can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments. But once cancer spreads throughout the body, or metastasizes, it becomes difficult to treat or stop it.
The main reason that makes cancer serious is its ability to spread in the body. Cancer can spread regionally as well, to nearby tissues, lymph nodes or other organs. It can also spread to distant parts of the body – when this happens, it is called Metastatic Cancer. Metastatic Cancer is generally called Stage IV cancer or Advanced Cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Metastatic Cancer?
Metastatic Cancer does not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do arise, their nature and regularity will depend on the size and location of the metastatic tumours. Some common signs of metastatic cancer include:
- Pain and fractures, when cancer has spread to the bone
- Jaundice or swelling in the belly, when cancer has spread to the liver
- Shortness of breath, when cancer has spread to the lungs
- Headache, seizures, or dizziness, when cancer has spread to the brain
Does Treatment Cure Metastatic Cancer?
In some cases, Metastatic Cancer can be cured, but in most cases mortality rates are high. However, doctors can slow down its growth and reduce its symptoms. It is possible to live for many months or years with certain types of cancer, even after the development of metastatic disease.
How well any treatment works depends on:
- The type of cancer
- The size of tumours
- Its rate of growth
- Its location and presence in the body
- The treatment method
- responseof cancer, to the treatment