Definition:
Metastases are tumors that have spread from somewhere else. For example, sometimes colon cancer spreads to the liver. When it does, instead of calling it "liver cancer resulting from colon cancer," doctors refer to it as "liver metastasis". (Metastasis means one tumor and metastases means more than one tumor.)
The word pops up a lot in research articles: how to prevent liver metastases, quality of life after liver metastases, etc.
"Metastasis" comes from the Greek word methistanai, which means "change of state".
Sources:
Metastases are tumors that have spread from somewhere else. For example, sometimes colon cancer spreads to the liver. When it does, instead of calling it "liver cancer resulting from colon cancer," doctors refer to it as "liver metastasis". (Metastasis means one tumor and metastases means more than one tumor.)
The word pops up a lot in research articles: how to prevent liver metastases, quality of life after liver metastases, etc.
"Metastasis" comes from the Greek word methistanai, which means "change of state".
Sources:
- Metastasis. Merriam-Webster OnlineDictionary. 15 Sep. 2006 [http://m-w.com/dictionary/metastasis].
- Metastasis. Wikipedia. 1 Sep. 2006. 15 Sep. 2006 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metastasis].
Pronunciation: muh-TAS-tuh-sees
Also Known As: secondary tumors
Examples: Researchers are trying to find a way to prevent liver metastases.
