TRANSPLANTATION METASTASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Transplantation metastasis refers to the development and spread of cancer cells in a new host organism following the transplantation of cells, tissues, or organs. This phenomenon primarily occurs in the context of organ transplantation, where a diseased or damaged organ is removed from one individual (donor) and transplanted into another (recipient). While receiving a transplant can greatly enhance the recipient's quality of life, there is a risk that cancer cells present in the transplanted organ can infiltrate and proliferate in the recipient's body, leading to transplant-associated malignancies or transplantation metastasis.
Transplantation metastasis can be a consequence of several factors. First, the donor organ may contain dormant cancer cells that were not detectable at the time of transplantation. Alternatively, the recipient's immune system, which is often suppressed to prevent organ rejection, may be unable to properly detect and control the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, the immunosuppressive drugs administered to the recipient post-transplantation can inhibit immune responses necessary for combating cancer cells.
To mitigate the risk of transplantation metastasis, careful screening and evaluation of potential organ donors is essential. Comprehensive medical histories, imaging studies, and pathological examinations of the donor organ are crucial to identify any signs of cancer. Furthermore, continuous monitoring of the recipient post-transplantation is crucial to detect any early signs of cancer development.
Overall, transplantation metastasis involves the spread of cancer cells from a transplanted organ to the recipient's body, potentially leading to the development of new malignancies. Adequate measures, such as thorough donor screening and vigilant recipient monitoring, are crucial to minimize the risk of this condition in transplant recipients.
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M. From one tissue to another.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TRANSPLANTATION METASTASIS
Etymology of TRANSPLANTATION METASTASIS
The term "transplantation metastasis" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two medical terms: "transplantation" and "metastasis".
- "Transplantation" comes from the Latin word "transplantare", meaning "to plant or transfer". It refers to the process of removing a living organ, tissue, or cells from one individual (the donor) and implanting them into another individual (the recipient).
- "Metastasis" comes from the Greek word "metastasis", meaning "transfer or removal". In medicine, it is specifically used to describe the spread of cancer from the primary tumor to other parts of the body. It implies the movement or migration of cancer cells from their original site to a different location.
