Metastasis happens when the cancer is at an advanced stage where uncontrolled cells have spread from the affected organ to other parts of the body. Spreading can either be through the lymph nodes or blood vessels. The spreading of the cells will be rapid when you have high-grade cancer. It is not possible to diagnose cancer metastasis by yourself unless you see a doctor. There are, however, several symptoms and signs that may indicate that you have metastatic cancer. The signs and symptoms vary depending on the affected organ and the size of the tumor. For instance, if the cancer cells spread to the lungs, they will experience difficulty breathing. When the cells reach the bones, the patient will experience movement challenges and get fractures. Metastasis to the brain is causes dizziness, headache, visual issues, and seizure.
It is vital to note that the treatment of normal cancer and metastatic cancer is very different. Metastatic cancer is challenging to control. The treatment you will get depends on age, the tumor’s original site, the extent of the spread, among other considerations. Radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are the main types of cancer metastasis treatment.
If you have metastatic solid cancer, then radiation has proven to be an effective method of treatment. Controlled radiations are directed to the point where cancer cells have spread. The radiation will control cancer by shrinking the tumor. Positive radiation results include reduced pain, decreased bleeding, improved breathing, relieving pressure on the pinched nerve, and reducing fractures. The oncologist will examine you to determine the best dose and frequency. Radiation has been proven to heal the brain metastases completely.
Immunotherapy is also effective in the control and treatment of metastatic solid cancer. After the lymphodepletion, one of the most effective immunotherapies given to a cancer patient is the adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The immunotherapy will inhibit the immune checkpoints. The therapy will invigorate the antitumor immune response. More research is being done on immunotherapy because it has long-term benefits for cancer patients.
If the cancer cells have spread to the spinal cord, then the best treatment will be surgery. Metastases may epidural spinal cord compresses. Surgery will be conducted to decompress the area. This procedure is essential as it will help the patient walk again. After the surgery, radiotherapy is very effective for the best results.
The last way to treat cancer is through chemotherapy. Chemotherapy will respond very quickly to the condition. The treatment has been proven to be very effective, especially for those with breast cancer that have metastasized various parts of the body. Studies indicate that chemotherapy will shrink cancer more quickly than hormone therapy. The drugs will be administered in different lines, i.e., first line, second line, etc.
Nearly 10 million people die every year because of cancer. Biolabs such as Cellmig have invested many resources, time, and expertise to find effective cancer medications. Every bio lab aims to find a treatment that will end this massive cancer death. The next-generation medications will drastically increase the quality of life and longevity of people living with any cancer.