DIRECT METASTASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Direct metastasis refers to the process in which cancer cells spread from their original site to nearby tissues or organs in a direct manner, without going through the lymphatic or circulatory systems. Metastasis is a critical step in the progression of cancer and occurs when cancer cells detach from the primary tumor, invade surrounding tissues, and establish secondary tumors in distant locations.
Direct metastasis differs from hematogenous metastasis, where cancer cells enter the bloodstream or lymphatic vessels to reach distant areas of the body. Instead, in direct metastasis, cancer cells invade and infiltrate nearby tissues through the extension or growth of the primary tumor itself. This type of metastasis commonly occurs in locally aggressive cancers, which have a tendency to invade adjacent structures, such as neighboring organs or tissues.
The mechanism of direct metastasis involves the infiltration of cancer cells into the surrounding tissue, facilitated by the secretion of enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, promoting cell migration. Once the cancer cells have invaded nearby tissues, they can then proliferate, forming secondary tumors in the vicinity.
Understanding the mechanisms of direct metastasis is crucial in cancer research and treatment. It helps guide therapeutic strategies aiming to prevent or control the spread of cancer cells to nearby organs or tissues. Targeted therapies and surgical interventions can be developed to disrupt the invasive behavior of cancer cells and improve patient outcomes.
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Transportation in the direction of the blood or lymph stream.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DIRECT METASTASIS
- d irect metastasis
- di rect metastasis
- dir ect metastasis
- dire ct metastasis
- direc t metastasis
- direct m etastasis
- direct me tastasis
- direct met astasis
- direct meta stasis
- direct metas tasis
- direct metast asis
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- direct metastasi s
Etymology of DIRECT METASTASIS
The word "direct metastasis" is composed of two main components: "direct" and "metastasis".
The term "direct" comes from the Latin word "directus", which means "straight" or "directed". In English, it refers to something that is done without intervention or deviation, going straight to the target or goal.
The term "metastasis" has its roots in Ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek words "meta", meaning "beyond", and "stasis", meaning "placement" or "standing". The concept of metastasis refers to the spread or transfer of a disease, especially cancer, from one part of the body to another remote or distant location.
Therefore, "direct metastasis" implies the process of cancer or disease spreading directly from one area or organ to another without intermediate stages or involvement of lymph nodes or blood vessels.
