Summary of "How does cancer spread through the body? - Ivan Seah Yu Jun"

Cancer usually starts as a solitary tumor in a specific area of the body and can spread to nearby organs or distant places like the brain, a process known as Metastasis.

Metastasis can occur through three common routes: transcoelomic, lymphatic, or Hematogenous spread.
Transcoelomic spread involves malignant cells penetrating the covering surfaces of body cavities.
Hematogenous spread occurs when cancerous cells invade blood vessels to reach distant parts of the body.
Lymphatic spread happens when Cancer invades the lymph nodes and travels through the lymphatic system.
Different cancers have specific sites of Metastasis, such as prostate Cancer to the bone and colon Cancer to the liver.
Theories like the seed and soil theory and the role of vascular and lymphatic channels influence the migration pattern of malignant cells.
Factors like Cancer cell properties and the immune system's effectiveness also play a role in Metastasis.
Research efforts, including immunotherapy, are being developed to combat Metastasis by harnessing the immune system to destroy migrating cells.
Understanding the exact mechanism of Metastasis is crucial for finding a cure for advanced stage cancers.