Secondary cancer results from metastasis and is also referred to as metastasis cancer. Metastasis cancer involves the spread of a specific type of cancer from one organ or part to a non-adjacent organ or part. Both malignant tumor cells and infections can metastasize. Cancerous cells can break away, leak, or spill from a primary tumor and enter the lymphatic system and blood vessels. They can circulate through the bloodstream and begin growing within normal tissues elsewhere in the body. Metastasis is a major characteristic of malignancy, and most tumors and neoplasms can metastasize, though to varying degrees. When tumor cells metastasize, the resulting tumor is called a secondary or metastatic tumor. In general terms, it can be referred to as secondary cancer. The cells in the metastatic tumor are the same as those in the original tumor. Metastatic tumors are common in the advanced stages of cancer, and the spread of metastases may occur via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system, or through both. The lungs, liver, brain, and bones are the most common areas for metastases to develop. Malignant cells break away from the primary tumor, attach to, and degrade the proteins that make up the surrounding extracellular matrix, which separates the tumor from the adjoining tissue. By degrading the proteins, the cancerous cells are able to penetrate the extracellular matrix and escape. Secondary cancer can be treated with radiosurgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Other treatment methods include biological therapy, hormone therapy, surgery, or a combination of any two. The choice of treatment usually depends on the type of primary cancer, the size and location of the metastasis, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. Mercy Maranga reports on health and fitness issues. Visit her site here for more information on cancer and its treatment.