DefinitionMetastasis is the movement or spreading of cancer cells from one organ or tissue to another. Cancer cells usually spread through the bloodstream or the lymph system.Alternative NamesMetastatic cancer; Cancer metastasesInformationWhether or not cancer cells metastasize (spread to) to other parts of the body depends on many factors, including:The type of cancerThe stage of the cancerOriginal location of the cancerTreatment depends on the type of cancer and where it has metastasized.ReferencesLippman SM, Hong WK. Cancer prevention. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 191.Perry MC. Principles of cancer therapy. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 192