A 46-year-old member asked:
Can a malignant tumor spread to bones via local metastasis?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
Terminology: A tumor can spread to bone locally, but that is not called metastasis. Metastasis means spread to a distant organ either through lymphatics or blood. Tumors can and do metastasize to bones.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Devon Websteranswered
Medical Oncology 24 years experience
Yes: A malignant tumor can spread to other places, including bones. This can happen directly; that is, if a tumor is near a bone, it can grow directly into the bone. It can also happen from a distance, if tumor cells get into the blood stream and travel to the bone. The picture shows the different places cancer goes in the body. I hope that answers your question!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 22, 2019
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