Metastasis - Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of metastasis varies with location of the tumors.

Initially, nearby lymph nodes are struck early. The lungs, liver, brain, and bones are the most common metastasis locations from solid tumors.

  • In lymph nodes, a common symptom is lymphadenopathy
  • Lungs: cough, hemoptysis and dyspnea (shortness of breath)
  • Liver: hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), nausea and jaundice
  • Bones: bone pain, fracture of affected bones
  • Brain: neurological symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and vertigo.

Although advanced cancer may cause pain, it is often not the first symptom.

Some patients, however, don't show any symptoms. When the organ gets a metastatic disease it begins to shrink until its lymph nodes burst, or undergo lysis.

Read more about this topic:  Metastasis

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