Metastasis

Definition

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor site to distant organs via bloodstream, lymphatic system, or direct extension. Metastatic disease defines stage IV cancer.

Common Metastatic Sites

• Liver (colon, pancreas, breast, lung)
• Lung (breast, colon, kidney)
• Bone (prostate, breast, lung, kidney, thyroid, multiple myeloma)
• Brain (lung, breast, melanoma, kidney)
• Adrenal glands (lung)

Clinical Implications

Metastasis usually indicates incurable disease; treatment shifts to symptom management, quality of life, and targeted therapies, such as bone metastases risk fractures, hypercalcemia, spinal cord compression. Brain metastases cause seizures, altered mental status, focal deficits.

Nursing Interventions

Pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, end-of-life planning, monitor for oncologic emergencies (hypercalcemia, SVC syndrome, cord compression, tumor lysis syndrome).

NCLEX Relevance

Metastasis = advanced-stage cancer requiring palliative focus.