Definition of metastasis
metastases
play \-ˌsēz\1a : change of position, state, or formb : the spread of a disease-producing agency (such as cancer cells) from the initial or primary site of disease to another part of the body metastasis of breast cancer to bone — Medical Physics; also : the process by which such spreading occurs
2 : a secondary malignant (see malignant 2) tumor resulting from metastasis
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Recent Examples of metastasis from the Web
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The process, known as metastasis, is often a death sentence, the point where the best cancer-fighting techniques become ineffective.
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Though metastasis was not completely stopped, Jayatilaka said, the mice given the drug cocktail fared well and survived through the experiment.
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The drugs bind to the Interleukin receptors and block their signals, slowing metastasis.
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Researchers randomly assigned 1,939 melanoma patients with lymph node metastases to lymph node removal or continued observation using ultrasound.
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The Melanoma Research Alliance, created by Debra and Leon Black, is joining the alliance to support Richard White, who studies the mechanisms of metastasis using the zebrafish.
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If the study holds up under additional research, the traditional stages of cancer that place metastasis at an advanced stage of cancer will have to be scrapped.
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That process is known as metastasis — a word synonymous, for anyone who has experience with cancer, with doom.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'metastasis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of metastasis
New Latin, from Late Latin, transition, from Greek, from methistanai to change, from meta- + histanai to set — more at stand
Medical Dictionary
metastasis
playMedical Definition of metastasis
metastases
\-ˌsēz\play1a: change of position, state, or formb: the spread of a disease-producing agent (as cancer cells or bacteria) or disease from the initial or primary site of disease to another part of the body The overwhelming concern about prostate cancer is its potential for metastasis—for cells to escape the gland and take root in lymph nodes, bones, lungs, skin, or other tissue.—Tom Alexander, Fortune, 20 Sept. 1993; also : the process by which such spreading occurs
2: a secondary malignant tumor resulting from metastasis … radiation has no known effect on distant metastases from breast cancer …—David Plotkin, The Atlantic Monthly, June 1996
Learn More about metastasis
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Britannica English: Translation of metastasis for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about metastasis
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