How Does Cancer Cell Proliferation Lead to Metastasis?
Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant organs. This process begins with local invasion, where cancer cells proliferate and infiltrate surrounding tissues. Subsequently, they enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system (intravasation), survive the journey, and exit into new tissues (extravasation). Once there, they establish secondary tumors through further proliferation. The ability to metastasize is a hallmark of malignant tumors and a major challenge in cancer treatment.
