Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other parts of the body. Therefore, signs of metastasis may vary depending on the type and extent of the affected area in the body.
Symptoms of Metastasis
Pain: Metastasis can often occur in the bones, liver, lungs, and brain. As cancer cells grow in these areas, pain or discomfort may occur.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired is common due to the energy the body spends fighting cancer.
• Loss of appetite: Metastasis can often affect the liver or intestines and cause loss of appetite.
• Shortness of breath: Cancer cells that have metastasized to the lungs can cause shortness of breath.
• Urinary and/or defecation problems: Cancer cells that have metastasized to the bladder or intestines can cause urinary and defecation problems.
• Changes in brain functions: If cancer metastasizes to the brain, changes in brain functions such as dizziness, memory loss, imbalance or speech problems may occur.
Metastasis Treatment
This can vary depending on factors such as the area where the cancer has spread, the patient's general health, and the type and stage of the cancer. Methods used to treat metastasis may include:
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a treatment used to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs work by reaching cancer cells in different parts of the body.
• Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.
• Surgery: Surgery is a treatment used to remove a tumor that has metastasized. This intervention may involve removing not only the tumor that has metastasized but also the original cancer tumor.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is a treatment used in some types of cancer. This treatment aims to prevent the growth of cancer cells by blocking hormone secretion or reducing hormone sensitivity.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a treatment method used to cause the immune system to attack cancer cells.
The choice of the most effective methods for treating metastasis depends on the patient's condition and the type of cancer. Signs of metastasis, Symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions caused by metastasis. Therefore, if metastasis is suspected, it is important to consult a doctor and have appropriate tests performed.
