metastatic

[met-uh-stat-ik]

adjective

1. Pathology.,  of, relating to, or resulting from metastasis, the transference of disease-producing organisms or malignant or cancerous cells to other parts of the body by way of the blood or lymphatic vessels or membranous surfaces.

   These blood vessels supply the tumor with nutrients and facilitate its metastatic spread.

Other Word Forms

• metastatically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of metastatic¹

First recorded in 1760–70; metasta(sis) ( def. ) + -tic ( def. )

Example Sentences

Her cause of death was recorded as metastatic breast cancer.

From BBC

He had head and neck metastatic cancer, and he ultimately succumbed to lung metastasis, according to CNN, which obtained a cremation approval summary report from the medical examiner’s office in Pinellas County, Florida.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a little unusual for him to show up with prostate cancer that’s metastatic to bone at first diagnosis, but not extraordinary,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Gleason score is the most common way of grading how likely the disease will advance and spread - also known as metastatic cancer.

From BBC

One of the US citizen children who was removed was suffering from metastatic cancer and was deported without the ability to consult with doctors, the advocacy group alleged.

From BBC