Gastric Cancer Metastasis Pathways

Gastric cancer is a serious type of malignant tumor, and its progression often involves metastasis through several pathways. The three primary routes of gastric cancer spread include local invasion, hematogenous dissemination, and lymphatic metastasis.

Local invasion occurs when the tumor grows directly into nearby tissues and organs. This type of spread is common in the early stages and can lead to the progression from early to advanced gastric cancer if not detected and treated promptly.

Hematogenous dissemination involves the spread of cancer cells through the bloodstream. Once tumor cells enter the circulatory system, they can travel to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or bones, forming secondary tumors.

Lymphatic metastasis is another major pathway, where cancer cells move through the lymphatic system to nearby or distant lymph nodes. This process plays a significant role in the staging and prognosis of gastric cancer.

Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are crucial in managing gastric cancer. When the disease is localized and has not spread, curative surgery can often remove the tumor completely, leading to a high chance of recovery.

For patients diagnosed at a later stage, aggressive treatment options including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and palliative surgery can help extend survival. With proper care, the five-year survival rate for these patients can be around 60%.

Understanding the different pathways of gastric cancer metastasis is essential for developing effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.