1. Detachment: Cancer cells detach from the primary tumor mass. 2. Invasion: They invade the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) by breaking down the structural components of tissues using enzymes like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). 3. Migration: The cells migrate through the ECM. 4. Intravasation: They enter the blood or lymphatic vessels. 5. Extravasation: They exit the vessels to invade new tissues.
