Which term describes the spread of cancer cells to distant sites?

Which term describes the spread of cancer cells to distant sites?

• A. Local tissue growth only
• B. Spread to distant locations
• C. Regression
• D. Remission

Answer: (B)

Metastasis describes the spread of cancer cells to distant sites. Cancer cells may detach from the primary tumor, enter blood or lymphatic vessels, circulate, and colonize distant organs, forming secondary tumors. This is what makes cancer spread beyond the original location and influences prognosis and treatment choices. Local tissue growth only refers to growth at the original site and does not imply distant spread. Regression means a decrease in tumor size, and remission indicates no detectable disease after therapy. So, metastasis best describes spread to distant locations.

Metastasis describes the spread of cancer cells to distant sites. Cancer cells may detach from the primary tumor, enter blood or lymphatic vessels, circulate, and colonize distant organs, forming secondary tumors. This is what makes cancer spread beyond the original location and influences prognosis and treatment choices. Local tissue growth only refers to growth at the original site and does not imply distant spread. Regression means a decrease in tumor size, and remission indicates no detectable disease after therapy. So, metastasis best describes spread to distant locations.