Cancer spread
Cancer cells may break away from the tumor and attack other parts of the body. Cancer spread from one part of the body to another is called “metastasis”. Tumors that form in other organs as a result of cancer spread are called “secondary” tumors.
Cancer cells often spread via the lymphatic system. This is a network of vessels that carry a clear fluid called “lymph”, which bathes our body tissues. Lymph vessels open into small, bean-shaped structures called “lymph nodes”. People often call these “glands”. They are found in the neck, the groin, and under the arms, and also in the chest and abdomen.
When cancer cells break away from a tumor, they often settle in the lymph nodes first. Because of this, doctors check the nearby lymph nodes to see whether a cancer has spread. If cancer cells are found, surgeons often remove the affected lymph nodes at the same time as removing the tumor.
No change in cancer type
When cancer spreads to another organ, its type does not change. For example, if someone has breast cancer that spreads to their lungs, they do not have lung cancer. The tumors in their lungs are still breast cancer tumors. The treatment they receive will still be tailored for breast cancer, so will probably be different from the treatment given to someone with lung cancer.
