Are metastases treated? This terrible word "metastases

The word "cancer" terrifies the vast majority of people. And the word "metastases" is doubly. It seems that it is impossible to come up with a more terrible diagnosis. But is it all that scary? After all, modern medicine has made significant progress in the treatment of tumors.

Malignant neoplasms have become another disease that is quite successfully cured. Even in the later stages of the disease, it is possible to significantly prolong the life of the patient and improve his quality of life. And the presence of metastases is now not as fatal as it was several decades ago.

What are metastases

Metastases are the occurrence of a pathological process in a secondary focus, distant from the primary one, due to the movement of the beginning initiating this pathological process. Most often they talk about metastasis in tumor lesions. But it can also be with microbial infection and in this case leads to the spread of infection and sepsis.

Why do metastases occur?

The pathological process can spread throughout the body in several ways:

1. Hematogenous - through blood vessels with blood flow to any place in the body.

2. Lymphogenous - through the lymphatic vessels with lymph flow: first to nearby lymphatic tracts, then to more distant ones.

3. Implantation - as a result of the spread of the process to nearby organs in places of direct contact with them.

4. Intracannicular - the movement of the pathological process in the body anatomical spaces adjacent to it (channels, cavities, crevices).

5. Mixed - with a combination of several ways of distribution.

What are the stages of the metastasis process?

There are several stages in the process of metastasis formation:

1. Intravasation - when the pathological process penetrates from the primary focus into the cavity of the vessel (lymphatic or blood).

2. Dissemination (scattering, spreading) - the movement of pathological cells with the flow of lymph or blood.

3. Embolism (invasion) - stopping of cells in a vessel in the area of a new location.

4. Extravasation - the penetration of the pathological process into tissues adjacent to the vessel.

5. Growth - reproduction of cells with the formation of a secondary pathological focus (actually metastasis).

Where does tumor metastasize

Most metastases occur in the lymph nodes, liver, and lungs. Their localization largely depends on the location of the primary malignant tumor. So, the most typical places of metastasis are:

for the thyroid, mammary, prostate, kidneys - liver, lungs and bones;

For the stomach, intestines, pancreas, ovaries, uterus - liver, peritoneum and lungs;

for the rectum - adrenal glands, lungs and liver;

for the lung - the second lung, liver, adrenal glands;

For melanoma - skin, muscles, liver, lungs.

When do metastases occur?

In some cases, metastases appear already on early stages diseases, and in others - after many years. The timing of the appearance of metastases largely depends on:

degree of differentiation of tumor cells - poorly differentiated tumors metastasize the fastest;

stages of the disease - the higher the stage, the more metastases;

location of the process - the better the lymph and blood flow, the faster metastasis;

Forms of neoplasm growth - the more superficial the location (closer to the skin and mucous membranes), the less metastases;

timeliness of therapy - the earlier complex treatment is carried out, the less likely the appearance of metastases;

volume of treatment - the more adequate and better the treatment is, the less likely it is to metastasize;

The age of the sick person younger man the higher the risk of metastases.

Why are metastases dangerous?

Each organism actively fights against any pathological process, and with tumor including. When the defenses are exhausted in this struggle, metastases develop. They:

Significantly aggravate the course of the disease;

disrupt the functions of other organs and systems, including vital ones;

complicate the treatment process;

negatively affect the general condition of the body.

How can metastases be detected?

The presence of malignant neoplasm metastases can detect modern methods diagnostics:

radiography and fluoroscopy;

Computed tomography;

magnetic resonance imaging;

positron emission tomography;

radioisotope research;

biopsy (taking a piece of tissue for examination) followed by cytological analysis.

Treatment of metastases

The principles of treatment of metastatic tumors practically do not differ from those in the treatment of primary neoplasms. Complex medical measures includes:

Surgical methods - removal of the tumor and metastases;

- the use of chemotherapy drugs;

Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) - impact on the affected area with ionizing radiation;

hormone therapy - the use of hormonal drugs;

Targeted therapy - the use of drugs that cause the death of only tumor cells.

Watch your health. Do not neglect the recommendations of doctors on a healthy lifestyle, a rational balanced diet, bad habits regularity of medical examinations. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.

There are three main pathways for tumor metastasis:

lymphogenous(spreading cancer cells through the lymphatics)
hematogenous(spread through the bloodstream);
implantation(penetration of cancer cells through the serous membranes after tumors have grown into the walls of the affected organ).

Lymphogenic pathway penetration is most characteristic of tumors originating from epithelial tissue. prone to penetration lymphatic vessels and tumors, which connective tissue(for example, sarcomas).

Often, lymphogenous metastases linger in the lymph node for an indefinite time: if at this time an operation is performed and the affected nodes are removed along with the primary focus, then the further spread of malignant processes can be stopped.

Hematogenous way the occurrence of metastases is typical for tumors of medium and high grade of malignancy. Often, distant metastases that have arisen by the hematogenous route can be detected earlier than primary malignant foci. Such metastases are prone to rapid progression and give severe symptoms.

There are so-called "dormant" metastases, which may not manifest themselves in any way during for long years after the main course of treatment. However, completely arbitrary circumstances can provoke the resumption of the malignant process - a change of residence, stress, change hormonal background, a trip to another climate zone.

Video: How metastasis occurs

Symptoms of metastases

Symptoms of metastases depend on their location. Basically, secondary foci cause severe organic and functional lesions.

The most characteristic target organs for the hematogenous method of spreading metastases are: liver, lungs, Bone marrow, brain, adipose tissue, bone.

With the penetration of metastases in the liver tissue develop: jaundice, pruritus, liver failure. Lung metastases lead to respiratory functions, inflammatory processes in the lungs and bronchi. Metastases in the brain lead to rapid development encephalopathy. The most painful are metastases in bone tissue They cause excruciating pain all over the body.

Diagnostics

It should be remembered that not all tumors contribute to the development of metastases. Benign tumors do not create secondary lesions and do not spread beyond the limits of their own shell (this is their fundamental difference from malignant cancer).

In metastases, as the number of cells increases, their own blood supply system is formed - thus, the secondary foci take away oxygen and nutrients intended for healthy tissues. This leads to exhaustion of the body: this is why cancer is almost always accompanied by weight loss.

Experienced doctors may suspect the spread of metastases by their indirect effects on the body. Secondary foci, like the main tumor, lead to a significant disruption of all systems, destroying healthy tissue and releasing toxins. Lethal outcomes as a result cancer arise just because of the detrimental effect of metastases on the body.

The presence of metastases can be diagnosed using the same methods that allow to identify primary malignant foci:

classical radiography;
ultrasonography;
scintigraphy ( radioisotope research bone tissue);
CT scan;
positron emission tomography;
laboratory blood test (general, biochemical, for cancer markers);
biopsy and histological examination biopsy.

Imaging techniques allow you to locate, determine the size, degree of prevalence or decay, the nature of the growth of metastases.

Treatment Methods

In fact, cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy are for the most part measures to prevent the development of metastases after the initial tumor has been removed. Radiation and chemotherapy primarily affect actively dividing cells of the body - just such cells are cancerous. Unfortunately, these methods have a negative effect on healthy cells and body tissues, in particular - they kill the immune system.

Therefore, any aggressive treatment metastasis and underlying cancer has extensive side effects. On the one hand, malignant cells are destroyed, but on the other hand, the body becomes vulnerable even to harmless infections.

Other treatments for metastases:

targeted therapy;
immunological therapy;
surgical removal of single metastases;
embolization of arteries feeding metastases;
radiosurgery;
symptomatic (palliative) therapy.

Targeted Therapy (target) - impact special preparations on target cells (mainly receptors responsible for the growth and reproduction of a malignant tumor). At the same time, the effect on healthy cells is minimal.

Immunotherapy in oncology is enough promising method treatment. This method is used in specialized modern medical institutions as an experimental, but very effective method. additional method therapeutic effect. Immunotherapy consists in influencing the patient's own immunity with monoclonal antibodies, vaccines and growth factors.

Surgical removal it is advisable in the presence of single metastases, when it is necessary to alleviate the patient's condition or make an attempt to extend his life. Classical surgery plus more modern technique removal of tumors - radiosurgery - are often used as a palliative (symptomatic) treatment. The likelihood of achieving remission after palliative therapy is minimal.

Artery embolization that feed metastases are also relatively new method treatment. If it is impossible to eliminate malignant foci, then you can at least limit the access to oxygen and nutrients using embolization (overlapping) of large blood vessels.

Forecast

In most Russian clinics, patients at the stage of spread of metastases are still treated as hopeless and doomed patients. That is why therapy in the advanced stages of cancer is best done in specialized institutions or abroad. In Russia, qualified institutions exist, unfortunately, only in a few large cities.

From hospitals dealing with adequate therapy patients with metastases, we can recommend the "European Clinic" in Moscow, " Cancer Center named after N.N. Blokhin" in Moscow. Israeli clinics have proven themselves well - Top Ichilov, Assuta, Herzliya. The prognosis and success of treatment largely depend on the level of therapy and the level of the medical institution itself.

However, other concomitant circumstances have a direct impact on life expectancy in the presence of metastases:

patient's age;
the state of his immune system;
target organs of metastases;
stage and type of cancer.

The average life expectancy of patients with liver metastases is 6 months, with bone metastases full treatment- several years, with metastases in the kidneys - from a year to 3 years, with metastases in the brain - a few weeks.

Thus, it is impossible to correctly answer questions about life expectancy and patient survival rates without taking into account many additional factors.

In breast cancer, the malignant tumor develops in glandular tissue this organ. In this case, secondary foci of the tumor are formed. Malignant cells penetrate through the blood, lymph into the liver, muscles, lungs and other organs. Secondary tumor foci disrupt the functioning of all organs, worsen the general ...

Cells of malignant tumors are characterized by increased metabolic and mitotic activity, which contributes to their rapid spread throughout the body from the initial focus of oncological neoplasm. Cancer cells penetrate into nearby organs and tissues through the growth of a tumor or ...

Along with official methods in the treatment of lung cancer, it is possible to use folk recipes but only after consulting a doctor. One of the most common diagnoses in oncology is lung cancer with metastases. Alternative medicine is rich in funds that can fight tumors and spread ...

Whatever illness happens important role human nutrition plays a role in its treatment. Certain rules that must be followed in food also exist in the treatment of liver diseases. In the treatment of liver metastases, the patient will need strength and properly selected food will strengthen the general condition. Are common...

Metastases in the lymph nodes are secondary foci of growth of a malignant tumor already present in the body. The development of metastases in human body gives a signal about the progression of the tumor. Causes The main reason for the appearance of metastases is the growth of a malignant tumor, the cells of which begin to move ...

Metastases in the lungs are a consequence of the spread of tumor cells from primary malignant neoplasms that are localized in other organs. Cancer cells break away from the tumor and penetrate into venous blood which enters the lungs. Causes The appearance of metastases can provoke almost any tumor, ...

Metastasis is a secondary focus of the oncological process, which moves due to its movement. defiant beginning through body tissues. Movement can be carried out through the bloodstream, lymphatic system or inside body cavities. That is, the occurrence of metastases is a relapse of the underlying cancer, which was not cured very well. If doctors do not give any hope, expensive drugs do not help and metastases have begun, herbal medicine can give such a welcome chance. We propose to discuss in this article folk methods treatment of this pathology of various organs.

Treatment of metastases with folk remedies based on celandine, mushrooms and nuts

Celandine is a well-known enemy of cancer. Make a collection of celandine, calendula and nettle. Grind all these herbs well. Pour a tablespoon of herbs with a glass of boiling water. Take ½ cup morning and evening before meals. The drug from metastases should never be used in patients with epilepsy.

A tincture based on kerosene has repeatedly saved hopelessly ill people. In addition, you will need for treatment walnuts at the stage of milk maturity. Fill 2/3 of a bowl with quartered walnuts. Fill to the top with purified kerosene purchased at a pharmacy. Infuse the resulting mixture for 2 weeks and store in a dark place. 6 weeks you need to take 1 tsp. in the morning and in the evening, be sure to drink tea. Enough 1 time in 12 days.

birch mushroom chaga also helps to cope with metastases at home. dried mushroom needs to be crushed and poured cold water in proportions of 1 to 3. Infuse for 4 hours. Then strain and store at room temperature. The remaining pulp can be used again, pouring in proportions of 1 to 5, but already boiling water. Infuse for at least 2 days. Strain and mix the first infusion with the second. You need to take a glass of liquid 3 times a day half an hour before meals.

A well-known cancer fighter is burdock. Add the powder from its root to a mixture of honey and alcohol, taken in equal amounts. Let the mixture sit for a week. Take 1 tsp. 3 times a day. Good for cancer of the upper digestive tract, including the stomach.

Beet juice helps speedy recovery. Grate fresh beetroot and squeeze the juice out of it through gauze. Place the resulting juice in the refrigerator for 3 hours. Only after that it should be taken orally 100 ml 6 times a day. Drink preferably 15 minutes before meals. You can warm it up a bit. In addition to juice, it is recommended to eat 200 g of boiled beets per day.

Either way, never give up! If you have been diagnosed with metastases, treatment folk remedies can be last option which has not yet been validated.

Alternative methods of treatment of metastases in uterine cancer

Phytotherapy is designed to complement existing traditional methods oncotherapy: radiation, chemical and surgery uterine cancer. Metastasis is a secondary focus of the oncological process, which moves due to the movement of its causing beginning through the tissues of the body. Movement can be through the bloodstream, the lymphatic system, or within body cavities. That is, the occurrence of metastases is a relapse of the underlying cancer, which was not cured very well.

To date, there are several methods of dealing with metastases.

Most effective remedy for uterine cancer, this is radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can be used in two versions, one of which involves intracavitary irradiation. In this case, it becomes possible to influence the affected tissues with a directed beam and, if it does not get rid of cancer cells, then precisely restrain their development and growth.

Chemotherapy in the treatment of uterine cancer traditional means. Usage medications allows you to effectively deal with pathogenic cells. Chemotherapy is always aimed at suppressing cancer cells. Her side effect, this is a parallel oppression of the whole organism, and a long recovery period. However, this does not change the fact that it works. Namely, it is decisive for the patient in the third stage of uterine cancer.

Used in the treatment of uterine cancer and surgical method. At this stage of the development of the problem, the operation does not bode well, but sometimes this is the only way to achieve a significant result in the fight against the disease. Such a neglected form may necessitate the removal of the uterus and part of the vagina. However, development modern technologies, in particular laser surgery, let us hope for the best.

Effective methods of treating metastases with decoctions and infusions

It is not excluded in the treatment of uterine cancer metastases also the use of methods traditional medicine. As a rule, doctors do not give positive prognoses to patients in the third stage of cancer. female oncology- this almost always means the removal of part of the reproductive apparatus. Therefore, patients often turn to alternative medicine in hopes of saving your body. There are many cases where this has worked.

Celandine is a well-known enemy of cancer. Make a folk remedy from celandine, calendula and nettle. Grind all these herbs well. Pour a tablespoon of herbs with a glass of boiling water. Take ½ cup morning and evening before meals. In no case should a folk remedy for metastases be used by patients with epilepsy.

Kerosene-based tincture is an effective folk remedy for metastases in uterine cancer. She has saved hopelessly sick people more than once. In addition, you will need walnuts at the stage of milk maturity. Fill 2/3 of a bowl with quartered walnuts. Fill to the top with purified kerosene purchased at a pharmacy. Infuse the resulting mixture for 2 weeks and store in a dark place. 6 weeks you need to take 1 tsp. in the morning and in the evening, be sure to drink tea. Enough 1 time in 12 days.

Chaga birch fungus also helps to cope with metastases. Dried mushroom should be chopped and poured with cold water in proportions of 1 to 3. Leave for 4 hours. Then strain and store at room temperature. The remaining pulp can be used again, pouring in proportions of 1 to 5, but already boiling water. Infuse for at least 2 days. Strain and mix the first infusion with the second. Take a remedy for the treatment of metastases in a glass of liquid 3 times a day half an hour before meals.

A well-known cancer fighter is burdock. Add the powder from its root to a mixture of honey and alcohol, taken in equal amounts. Let the mixture sit for a week. Take 1 tsp. 3 times a day. This folk remedy is also good for cancer of the upper digestive tract, including the stomach.

Beetroot juice helps speedy recovery from metastases of uterine cancer. Grate fresh beetroot and squeeze the juice out of it through gauze. Place the resulting juice in the refrigerator for 3 hours. Only after that it should be taken orally 100 ml 6 times a day. It is advisable to drink the remedy 15 minutes before a meal. You can warm it up a bit. In addition to juice, it is recommended to eat 200 g of boiled beets per day.

Either way, never give up! Treatment with folk remedies may be the last option that has not yet been tested for effectiveness.

Treatment of metastases in the stomach with folk remedies

Almost everyone is familiar with the work of this body. But they usually know less about metastases in the stomach. What are metastases in the stomach and what is their treatment, find out in this article.

Food, when it enters the stomach, is exposed to the acidic environment of gastric juice. Gastric juice produced by the gastric mucosa. But this process can be disrupted if cancer with metastases begins to develop in the mucosa.

Cancer with metastases in the stomach entails innumerable digestive problems, causing discomfort and an increase in symptoms. From cancerous tumor over time, metastases grow on the mucous membrane, affecting not only the stomach, but also other organs located nearby.

The development of metastases greatly complicates the treatment of gastric cancer, since surgically cutting them all is almost impossible. Metastases in the stomach are an insidious cancer complication, so their appearance must be prevented in advance. First of all, if suspicious symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and in no case rely on luck. Only timely treatment can reverse the process of tumor growth.

By themselves, metastases in gastric cancer are tumor nodes, from which new tumors gradually appear. Due to their rapid spread to several organs, surgery is often impossible. Metastasis of a tumor of the stomach occurs on final stages cancer. Therefore, when a cancerous tumor is detected, treatment recommendations cannot be ignored. Compliance strict diet, lifestyle change, positive attitude and precise control of food intake will help delay the development of a tumor in the stomach and the subsequent growth of metastases.

In the treatment of metastases in the stomach, if surgical intervention is refused, you can try traditional medicine that retards the growth of pathological cells. A stomach with a tumor is not yet a death sentence, especially in the early stages. There are types poisonous plants to help in this difficult situation. Hemlock, aconite, sophora, colchicum - these and some other plants contain alkaloids that have a detrimental effect on cancer cells, including metastases in the stomach. Oncologists, as a rule, allow phytotherapy for advanced stages of cancer and the development of gastric metastases in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

There is no clear prognosis for the treatment of metastases in the stomach, everything is individual for each patient. There are miraculous recoveries and there are many proofs of this. Therefore, you should never lose hope, but only stubbornly follow the appointments and believe in yourself.

With any cancerous tumor, metastases are almost always observed in other organs. This pathology requires emergency treatment, because cancer cells spread so quickly throughout the body that they can lead to death. Every cancer patient asks his doctor if metastases can be cured. There is no exact answer to this question for this question, since the severity of the problem is individual for each patient.

The process of metastasis begins from the main tumor, which ejects cancer cells. They break away from the main focus and spread throughout the body along with blood and lymph. A weakened immune system can provoke such a process.

The rate of movement of cancer cells largely depends on the location of the maternal cancer and its stage.

Stopping the process of metastasis is very difficult, but possible. This may take several months. intensive care. Also, you can not do without removing the main focus, from which all the problems began. For treatment in this case, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical excision are used.

Metastases can easily be cured with surgery. Sometimes the operation can be too dangerous, for example, when metastases have affected a large part of the liver or lungs. If this happens, doctors stop the growth of the tumor and kill all cancer cells. After that, the person must constantly take various drugs to prolong life.

Metastasis rate

It is impossible to know how quickly metastases will appear. This process is subject to various factors and characteristics of cancer. Sometimes it happens that after the formation of the main tumor, metastases immediately appear. On the one hand, this is very good, because the first symptoms of an oncological disease appear, and a person seeks help. Is it possible to cure metastases in this case? Eat Great chance full recovery patient in a short period.

Also in medicine there is such a thing as dormant metastases. Their peculiarity is that they begin their development several years after the main tumor has been removed. For this reason, the patient should undergo annual full examination.

The rate of development of metastases in the body depends on such factors:

. the age of the cancer patient;
The stage of the cancerous tumor;
The size and content of the tumor;
The nature of the treatment.

Metastases may be lymphogenous in nature. In this case, their presence is explained by the fact that cancer cells have spread through the lymph to other organs.

In hematogenous metastasis, mutated cells move through the blood.

If a patient has been diagnosed with cancer in abdominal cavity or small pelvis, latent metastases can develop, which will make themselves felt only after a while.

The danger of metastases

There is an assumption that metastases develop when the human body cannot fight cancer.

The danger of secondary foci is that they disrupt the normal functionality of the body. In addition, they affect organs important for life, which leads to serious problems with health. All this can kill a person at any moment.

Diagnosing metastases is easy because medicine is this moment so developed that you can completely scan the entire human body and see even the most smallest vessel.

In addition, the signs of the presence of metastases speak for themselves. In the presence of foci in the liver, the patient suffers from severe abdominal pain, nausea, and skin rashes.

With metastases in the lungs, a cancer patient suffers from severe cough and chest pain.

If metastasis has affected the bones, the patient suffers from severe pain in the bones and joints, cannot sleep and eat normally.

Treatment of metastases

Every cancer patient asks the doctor if metastases can be cured? In this case, any doctor will say that you need to take a course medical therapy and do a full examination.

First of all, you need to remove the main tumor, and then proceed to the destruction of secondary foci. In this case, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and complete excision of the metastasis will help. Then after passing rehabilitation treatment the doctor will be able to accurately answer the question.

The resumption of cancer as a result of recurrence or transfer of cancer cells to other organs is possible even after a long period after radical operation, not to mention cases when neither the doctor nor the patient was aware of neoplasia, the disease was asymptomatic, and no treatment was carried out. Sometimes the first diagnosis of a person who applied to an oncology dispensary is metastases in the liver, in the lungs, or in other target organs.

This diagnosis really sounds like a death sentence, because even the ignorant understand: the "evil" cell spread throughout the body, multiplied and formed new malignant foci that are difficult to count and remove. The oncological process can be eliminated before the cancer cell has left the place of its birth, and metastasis calls into question the successful outcome of treatment.

Ways of spread of cancer cells

Cancer, unlike benign tumor is not limited to any one area. It grows into neighboring tissues and spreads to other organs. The spread of cells that have lost their intercellular connections, come off and set off on a journey through the body and is metastasis.

This process can be implemented in three ways:

Lymphogenic. First, the cancer cell penetrates into the regional lymph nodes, which are located next to the organ affected by the malignant process. As the tumor progresses, more and more cells are concentrated in the lymph and reach distant lymph nodes located around the blood vessels of the liver, intestines, spleen, adrenal glands, etc.
Hematogenous which provides transport with blood. Cancer cells move through the blood vessels and end up in other places, sometimes very distant from the primary tumor. The most vulnerable in this regard are organs that have a wide network of capillaries, so metastases in the liver and lungs are most common.
Implantation the pathway implements the dissemination of cancer cells through serous membranes (mesothelium). This occurs when the tumor is located close to the mesothelium or in the case of large sizes tumor node, which, increasing, reaches the peritoneum, pleura, pericardium. Seedling the surface of the serous cover, malignant cells form a process called carcinomatosis. Often similar phenomenon accompanied by accumulation of fluid in the cavities (ascites, hydrothorax). As a rule, carcinomatosis corresponds to stage 3 or even 4 of the disease and occurs more often in the elderly, which greatly complicates not only the lives of patients, but also treatment.

spread of metastases throughout the body

Some neoplasias are so aggressive that even in the early stages they can penetrate into the lymph nodes or other organs (nearby and distant), forming microscopic foci. tumor growth. The focus is not always able to go into a full-fledged metastatic tumor. Introduced with the blood or lymph flow and quite viable cancer cell can hide and remain without growth for a long time. This occurs in cases of a sufficiently high total or local immunity, which prevents the proliferation of tumor substances.

Thus, untimely or inadequate treatment, or even its absence, if neoplasia was not recognized at the beginning of its development, threatens to further spread. tumor process- the transfer of malignant cells, that is, metastasis.

Most often, cancer cells carried away from the primary tumor focus settle in target organs (liver, lungs, bones). Often they grow much faster than the primary tumor.

Video: principles of metastasis

Lymphogenic route of metastasis

Among all oncological diseases the bulk of neoplasias are cancers, that is, epithelial tumors (cancer of the uterus, lungs, stomach, etc.). The predominant route of cancer metastasis is the lymphogenous route. Usually the first blow goes to the regional lymph nodes located near the primary tumor focus. So, the very first metastases in gastric cancer are found in the lymph nodes, which are located along the lesser and greater curvature, around the antrum, in the bottom area.

With further progression of the process, cancer cells are transported with lymph flow and involve other lymph nodes, which can be located at a significant distance from the primary tumor. In such cases, metastases in gastric cancer can be found in the lymph nodes of the hilum of the spleen, in the mesenteric, para-aortic, and even, it would seem, in completely unexpected places. In the advanced stages of gastric cancer, it is possible to detect Virchow's metastasis in the left supraclavicular lymph node, which reflects retrograde way of moving malignant cells against lymph flow.

Other examples distant metastases in stomach cancer are Schnitzler and Krukenberg metastases that occur during the retrograde drift of malignant cells with lymph into the pararectal tissue (around the rectum) and one or both ovaries (the so-called krukenberg cancer).

It is worth noting that often asymptomatic gastric cancer is first diagnosed when such distant metastases are detected, for example, a woman goes to the doctor with gynecological problems, but receives an unexpected and bad diagnosis (stomach cancer).

One of the most common types of epithelial neoplasms is lung cancer, which is also prone to metastasize to the lymph nodes. The first "newly" foci appear in the peribronchial and bifurcation lymph nodes, later cancer cells are able to reach the mediastinum, cervical, sub- and supraclavicular areas.

Breast cancer, which is very common today, also draws into the malignant process after a while. The lymph nodes, wherein tumor emboli are found in the parasternal (near the sternum), axillary, subclavian lymph nodes.

Hematogenous pathway of cancer cell transfer

Hematogenous pathway of metastasis, realized through blood vessels, most characteristic of connective tissue tumors (sarcomas), however, epithelial (cancers) in advanced cases also do not stand aside and often use this path. In some types of tumors, metastases to the brain may occur. This is also distant metastasis, which has an extremely unfavorable prognosis, since it not only characterizes the advanced stage of the primary tumor, but is also accompanied by damage to the vital structures of the central nervous system(increase intracranial pressure, cerebral edema and death of the patient in short span time).

The liver is a target organ for cancer metastases of all localizations.

Metastases in the liver are formed from cancer cells delivered there by blood or lymph. They occupy the second place (the first is cirrhosis) among the causes of death in diseases of the liver itself.

Most often, metastases to the liver are given by oncological pathology, which originated in gastrointestinal tract, mammary gland, lungs. Less commonly, metastases appear in this target organ in skin, thyroid, and pancreatic cancers. Thus, liver metastases can be expected from tumors:

Lungs, including mesothelioma (a tumor often associated with asbestos exposure, the source of which is serosa- pleura);
cervix;
mammary gland
Stomach
Colon and rectum;
kidneys;
testicles;
, including melanoma - a tumor of melanin-forming tissue;
Bones.

Symptoms of liver metastases

Metastatic tumor in the liver in most cases, in its clinical manifestations, resembles primary hepatocellular carcinoma, characteristics which (hepatomegaly with pain in the upper abdomen, high activity alkaline phosphatase) are similar to the specific symptoms of liver metastases:

Signs of general intoxication (weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, sweating, fever);
Enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly);
Abdominal pain, ascites;
Increased activity of liver enzymes, especially alkaline phosphatase (AP);
An increase in the content of tumor markers (an increase in the concentration of CEA may indicate the origin of metastases from the gastrointestinal tract, breast or lung).

The presence of metastatic lesions in the liver in the case of an asymptomatic course of the primary tumor suggests an extensive diagnostic search: ultrasound, scanning, computed tomography, targeted biopsy. Unfortunately, when any tumors metastasize to the liver, the prognosis is pessimistic and the efforts of doctors are in vain, patients with metastases do not live long: someone dies after 2 months, and someone after six months.

Target organ - lungs

The second place in terms of frequency of lesions among target organs in many malignant processes belongs to the lungs. tumor cells form a new focus in the lungs, where they come mainly by the hematogenous route, less often by the lymphogenous route. Sometimes single metastases in the lungs can remain the only one for a long time. clinical sign oncological pathology. There is even an opinion that such tumors themselves are capable of metastasizing. In this case, they are likely to penetrate into nearby lymph nodes.

Metastases to the lungs are characteristic of the following types neoplasia:

Stomach cancer;
Cancer of the body of the uterus;
Mammary cancer;
Cancer of the colon and rectum;
Pancreas cancer;
Melanoma;
bone sarcomas;
Soft tissue sarcomas (almost always give metastases to the lungs).

Symptoms of lung metastases

Symptoms of lung metastases can long time do not manifest themselves (before the pleura is involved in the process), they are similar to those in the primary tumor (cancer in this organ):

Often metastases in the lungs give clinical manifestations before the primary tumor.

Methods for the treatment of metastases in the lungs

Treatment depends on many factors: the nature of metastasis, the type and stage of the source of metastases, general condition patient. Treatment methods for a metastatic process in the lungs do not particularly differ from those for other oncological pathologies:

Chemotherapy (of course, a strictly individual approach);
Hormone therapy (used if the primary tumor, such as in the breast or prostate, is sensitive to the hormones used for treatment);
Radiation therapy (may be used as independent method or in combination with others).

Solitary foci, if available for surgical intervention, can be removed surgically, however, the condition of the primary tumor (type, localization) should be taken into account and radical treatment should be carried out, based on the existing circumstances.

The prognosis for lung metastases is generally poor. since the defeat of this organ reflects far advanced, neglected, forms of malignant neoplasms, which are one of the most common causes of death from cancer.

Bone metastases

Secondary tumor nodes in the bones probably take the third place after metastatic processes in the liver and lungs. Mainly affected various departments spinal column. At the same time, the clinical manifestations are so pronounced that they significantly affect the quality of life of the patient.

Bone metastases give neoplasia different types And different localization, for which the spine is a "tidbit" for a new "settlement":

breast cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid gland and ovaries;
Tumors, liver, rectum;
Cancer of the lungs and kidneys.

Most often, new foci of the malignant process are formed in the lumbosacral and thoracic spine. Often the objects for metastasis are ribs and thigh bones, while in the humerus, bones of the skull and in cervical region spine, they occur relatively rarely. Metastases in the spine and other places, as a rule, give typical symptoms:

Muscle weakness accompanied by soreness;
Depressive states up to mental disorders;
Digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss);
Violations by of cardio-vascular system(a fall blood pressure, arrhythmias);
Pathological fractures;
In the blood - an increase in the level of calcium (hypercalcemia), which, if increased, can lead to kidney damage, coma and death of the patient.

In the treatment of metastases, if the stage of the primary tumor allows and there is at least some hope for a cure (for stage 4 cancer with metastases, hope is melting before our eyes), oncologists adhere to generally accepted therapy algorithms, using:

Anticancer drugs (chemotherapy), if possible. It is hardly advisable to use such a "hard" method of treatment for aggressive cancer Grade 4 with metastases, since chemotherapy itself gives a lot side effects that the patient needs to endure;
Radiation therapy is used to directly affect the tumor (treatment) and as a method of pain relief in advanced forms. It should be noted that it is often possible to bring the primary tumor (depending on its type and location!) to regression and elimination, and subsequently to ensure a long period of remission even in the presence of single foci metastasis, which in other cases allows you to extend life expectancy by several years;
Treatment of metastatic foci medicines various pharmaceutical groups mainly bisphosphonates;
Surgical removal of the affected bone and replacement with a prosthesis or bone graft (if possible).

In general, the prognosis and life expectancy depends on the type of primary tumor, its location, and the nature of bone metastasis.

Treatment and prognosis

The issues of treatment and prognosis have already been touched upon above, but, perhaps, summing up, one should repeat a little.

There is no specific treatment for metastases. Traditional methods are used: chemotherapy and radiation, which lead to a slowdown in growth or partial regression of the tumor, which makes it possible to alleviate the suffering of the patient and prolong life. Surgical intervention it is rarely used when it is possible to remove the tumor along with single metastases.

Timely removal of regional lymph nodes and tumors can sometimes significantly increase life expectancy (10 years or more), but in other cases the prognosis is very serious, for example, the diagnosis of "grade 4 cancer with metastases" is always established if there are distant foci of metastasis, even with relatively small the size of the primary tumor. In a word, the presence of remote metastases unequivocally makes the prognosis of the malignant process unfavorable.

Video: metastasis is not always a sentence! Radioembolization in a local process in the liver

Cancer is an irreversible process. Sooner or later the patient dies of cancer. But the question is: sooner or later? Modern diagnostics and knowledge accumulated in the field of oncology, often allow you to find the primary focus and take emergency measures to its elimination, but mortality from malignant neoplasms is still at high level. Often due to metastasis, late diagnosis and delayed treatment. The main task of the oncological service is not only the search for new methods for detecting a tumor at an early stage, but also their availability to any person, no matter in what wilderness he lives. Educational activities also play an important role. medical workers, which aims to clarify the problems, the importance of understanding and participation of the patient for early treatment and the inadmissibility of self-treatment.