What’s the Difference Between Tumor Spread and Metastasis?
Cancer development involves different phases, with tumor spread and metastasis being critical factors that impact treatment and prognosis. These two concepts, though related, have distinct mechanisms and implications. Tumor spread refers to the local infiltration and expansion of cancer cells around the primary site without distant organ involvement. This localized growth can lead to an enlarging primary tumor and invasion of adjacent tissues. Treatment at this stage focuses on controlling the local disease with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy to prevent further cancer cell infiltration. Metastasis, on the other hand, involves the spread of cancer cells from the primary site to... Learn more