LYMPHATIC METASTASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Lymphatic metastasis is a biological process that occurs in cancer when malignant cells from a primary tumor spread to nearby lymph nodes via the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system, comprising lymph vessels and lymph nodes, plays a crucial role in the body's immune response and fluid balance. Lymphatic metastasis is a common mechanism by which cancer cells can migrate and establish secondary tumors in lymph nodes.
Once cancer cells invade the lymphatic vessels surrounding the primary tumor, they can be carried by the lymph fluid to the regional lymph nodes, which act as important filters. Within the lymph nodes, cancer cells can either be destroyed by the immune system or, under favorable conditions, escape immune detection and establish new tumor colonies. Lymphatic metastasis can occur in various types of cancer, such as breast, lung, colorectal, and melanoma, among others.
Identification of lymphatic metastasis is crucial for cancer staging and treatment planning. Doctors often perform lymph node biopsies, specifically sentinel lymph node biopsies, to determine if cancer cells have spread outside the primary tumor. In some cases, surgical removal of affected lymph nodes may be necessary to prevent further cancer spread. Lymphatic metastasis is generally associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence and can impact the overall prognosis of the patient.
Understanding the mechanisms and pathways involved in lymphatic metastasis is a major area of research in oncology. Targeting the lymphatic system and its associated molecules may offer potential therapeutic strategies to inhibit lymphatic metastasis and improve the outcomes for patients with cancer.
Common Misspellings for LYMPHATIC METASTASIS
- kymphatic metastasis
- pymphatic metastasis
- oymphatic metastasis
- ltmphatic metastasis
- lgmphatic metastasis
- lhmphatic metastasis
- lumphatic metastasis
- l7mphatic metastasis
- l6mphatic metastasis
- lynphatic metastasis
- lykphatic metastasis
- lyjphatic metastasis
- lymohatic metastasis
- lymlhatic metastasis
- lym-hatic metastasis
- lym0hatic metastasis
- lympgatic metastasis
- lympbatic metastasis
- lympnatic metastasis
- lympjatic metastasis
Etymology of LYMPHATIC METASTASIS
The term "lymphatic metastasis" is derived from the combination of two words: "lymphatic" and "metastasis".
1. Lymphatic: The word "lymphatic" is derived from the Greek word "lympha", which means "water" or "clear fluid". The lymphatic system consists of vessels, organs (such as lymph nodes), and cells that carry a clear fluid called lymph throughout the body. The term "lymphatic" refers to anything related to or associated with the lymphatic system.
2. Metastasis: The word "metastasis" originates from the Greek word "metastasis", which means "transition" or "migration". In medicine, metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells from the site of the original tumor to other parts of the body, where secondary tumors can form.
