Metastasis
Metastasis describes the state of having distant spread of a malignant tumour to a site removed from its origin. Generally, the aggressiveness and size of a given tumour is directly related to its ability to metastasize. An exception is CNS gliomas which are highly invasive but rarely metastasize.
Usually, the route of metastasis is characteristic of a particular tumour and can occur via:
- direct extension from the site of origin
- via fluid-filled spaces
- through lymphatic spread
- by traversing blood vessels and then haematogenous dissemination
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