Metastatic Tumors: Understanding Cancer Spread

The term "metastatic" is used to describe a tumor that has spread from its original site to other parts of the body. This process, known as metastasis, occurs when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other organs or tissues. Metastasis is a characteristic feature of malignant or cancerous tumors, distinguishing them from benign tumors which remain confined to their initial location.