Metastatic Tumours Treatment in Delhi, India

Cancer that spreads from where it started to a distant part of the body is called metastatic cancer. For many types of cancer, it is also called stage IV (4) cancer. The process by which cancer cells spread to other parts of the body is called metastasis.

Types of Metastatic Tumours

Metastatic Tumours Causes

Over the years, scientists have been working relentlessly to arrive at some plausible causes for which a tumour may become metastatic. This is very crucial for the study of cancer as metastasis is the prime reason for death due to malignancy. Some of the causes of metastatic tumours are

• Mutation of genes
• Tissue structure getting disorganised
• Chromosome scrambling
• By inheritance
• The immune system getting compromised

Metastatic Tumour Symptoms and Signs

Metastatic cancer does not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, what they are like and how often you have them will depend on the size and location of the metastatic tumors. Some common signs of metastatic cancer include

• pain and fractures, when cancer has spread to the bone
• headache, seizures, or dizziness, when cancer has spread to the brain
• shortness of breath, when cancer has spread to the lung
• jaundice or swelling in the belly when cancer has spread to the liver.

Metastatic Tumour Diagnosis & Tests

There is no standard test to check for metastasis. Your healthcare provider will order tests based on the type of cancer you have and the symptoms you’ve developed.

Blood tests

Routine blood tests can tell your provider if your liver enzymes are elevated. This could indicate liver metastasis. In many cases, however, these blood test results are normal, even in the presence of advanced cancer.

Tumor markers

Some cancers have tumor markers that can be helpful in monitoring cancer after diagnosis. If tumor marker levels increase, it could mean that your cancer is advancing. Some examples are

• Colon cancer: CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) for colon cancer.
• Ovarian cancer: CA-125 for ovarian cancer.
• Prostate cancer: PSA (prostate-specific antigen) for prostate cancer.
• Testes cancer: AFP (alpha-feto-protein) and HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) for testes cancer.

There are several tumor markers that are less specific, and therefore, not used as a tool for diagnosing metastasis.

Imaging

There are many tests that “take pictures” of the inside of your body. Appropriate tests depend on the symptoms and the type of cancer. Imaging tests may include:

• Ultrasound is one way to evaluate the abdomen and identify any tumors. It can detect fluid in the abdomen and can show the difference between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses.
• CT scan (computed tomography) can detect abnormalities in the head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis. It can also identify tumors in the lungs, liver or lymph nodes.
• A bone scan is done with a radioactive tracer that attaches to damaged bones and shows as a “hotspot” on the scan. It’s most useful for evaluating the whole body for evidence of cancer-related bone damage. If your provider suspects a fracture, they may take additional X-rays to determine the extent of the damage.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses radio waves and magnets to take pictures inside of your body. MRI can detect spinal cord damage or identify brain metastasis.
• PET scan (positron emission tomography) works to identify abnormalities anywhere in the body. It uses a special dye containing radioactive tracers that "light up” problematic areas.

The results of these tests may not provide definitive answers. In some cases, your healthcare provider may also take a biopsy (a small tissue sample) of the suspected metastatic tumor.

Metastatic Tumour Treatment & Care

There are treatments for most types of metastatic cancer. Often, the goal of treating metastatic cancer is to control it by stopping or slowing its growth. Some people can live for years with metastatic cancer that is well controlled. Other treatments may improve the quality of life by relieving symptoms. This type of care is called palliative care. It can be given at any point during treatment for cancer. The treatment that you may have depends on your type of primary cancer, where it has spread, treatments you’ve had in the past, and your general health.

Risk Factors of Metastatic Tumour

The most common risk factors for metastatic tumours are:

• Advancing age
• Consumption of alcohol
• Persistent inflammation
• History of allergies
• Dietary habits
• Hormonal changes
• Immunosuppression
• Portliness
• Consumption of tobacco
• Exposure of sunlight
• Race and ethnicity – white-skinned people are more prone than their Asian or African counterparts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best treatment for a tumor that has metastasized?

The best treatment for a metastasized tumor depends on the type of cancer, the location and size of the metastases, and the patient's overall health. Treatment may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative care.

2. How much does metastatic cancer treatment cost in Delhi, India?

The cost of treatment for metastatic cancer in Delhi, India, can vary widely depending on several factors such as the type of cancer, the extent of metastasis, the treatment plan, and the hospital or healthcare facility chosen. Treatment costs can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care. 

3. Does chemo stop metastasis?

Chemotherapy can help slow or stop the growth of cancer cells that have already spread metastasized to other parts of the body, but its effectiveness varies depending on their type and cancer stage, as well as the patient’s overall health.

4. Is there a cure for stage 4 metastatic cancer?

Treatment for stage 4 metastatic cancer aims to control and manage the cancer, improve quality of life, and potentially extend survival. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, depending on the type and location of cancer.

5. Does radiation stop metastasis?

Radiation therapy can be effective in stopping or slowing the growth of metastatic tumors, but it depends on the location and type of cancer. It may not be effective for all cases of metastasis, and a combination of treatments may be necessary.

6. Do metastatic tumors grow faster?

Metastatic tumors can grow faster or slower depending on factors such as the type of cancer, location of the tumor, and treatment. In some cases, they may grow faster than primary tumors, but this is not always the case.

7. At what size do tumors metastasize?

Tumors can start to metastasize once they reach a certain size, which varies depending on the type of cancer. Generally, tumors must grow larger than a few millimeters in size before the cancer cells have the ability to break away and spread to other parts of the body.

8. How painful is metastasis?

Metastasis can cause pain depending on the location and size of the secondary tumor. Pain can be mild and discomfort to severe and debilitating. Proper pain management is an essential part of metastatic cancer treatment.

9. How do doctors know if cancer is metastatic?

Doctors use various methods to determine if cancer has metastasized. These methods include:

• Imaging tests
• Biopsy
• Blood tests:
• Clinical evaluation

By combining these approaches, doctors can determine if cancer has spread beyond its primary site and developed metastases.

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