Metastatic: meaning, definitions and examples
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metastatic
[ ˌmɛtəˈstætɪk ]
medical terminology
The term 'metastatic' refers to the spread of cancer cells from the place where they first formed to another part of the body. This process involves the movement of malignant cells through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to establish new tumors. Metastatic cancer is often more difficult to treat than cancer that remains localized. The diagnosis of metastatic disease typically indicates a more advanced stage of cancer, and it requires a more comprehensive treatment approach due to its ability to invade different tissues.
Synonyms
disseminated, invasive, spreading
Examples of usage
- She was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
- The doctors are treating her metastatic disease with chemotherapy.
- Metastatic lesions were found on her liver.
- He explained that metastatic cancer can affect any organ.
Translations
Translations of the word "metastatic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 metastático
🇮🇳 मेटास्टैटिक
🇩🇪 metastatisch
🇮🇩 metastatik
🇺🇦 метастатичний
🇵🇱 metastatyczny
🇯🇵 転移性の
🇫🇷 métastatique
🇪🇸 metastásico
🇹🇷 metastatik
🇰🇷 전이성의
🇸🇦 نقلي
🇨🇿 metastatický
🇸🇰 metastatický
🇨🇳 转移性
🇸🇮 metastatski
🇮🇸 meinvörpandi
🇰🇿 метастаздық
🇬🇪 მეტასტატიკური
🇦🇿 metastatik
🇲🇽 metastásico
Etymology
The word 'metastatic' originates from the Greek word 'metastasis', which means 'a change of position or state'. It is a combination of 'meta-', meaning 'beyond' or 'after', and 'stasis', which means 'standing' or 'staying'. Distinctly used in medical contexts, particularly in relation to cancer, the term became prominent in the late 19th century as medical professionals began to understand the process by which cancer spreads. Historically, the understanding of metastasis was gradual, with early observations leading to significant developments in oncology and treatment strategies. The term now broadly encompasses the mechanisms by which cancer cells migrate and form secondary tumors, playing a crucial role in cancer prognosis and therapeutic planning.