metastasis
noun
me·tas·ta·sis
mə-ˈta-stə-səs 
plural metastases
mə-ˈta-stə-ˌsēz
1
a
: change of position, state, or form
b
: the spread of a disease-producing agency (such as cancer cells) from the initial or primary site of disease to another part of the body
metastasis of breast cancer to bone—
Medical Physics
Medical Physics
also
: the process by which such spreading occurs
2
: a secondary malignant (see malignant sense 1) tumor resulting from metastasis
Examples of metastasis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Medical professionals usually use a detailed system called TNM – short for tumor, nodes, metastasis – to classify a tumor’s stage.
—Jason P. Joseph, The Conversation, 21 May 2025
This is the general explanation for why about 10 percent of patients newly diagnosed with prostate cancer are found to have metastasis (typically bone or lymph nodes) at the time of initial diagnosis.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
This places the cancer in Grade Group 5, the highest risk category, associated with a greater likelihood of metastasis and a more challenging prognosis.
—Eric M. Strauss, ABC News, 18 May 2025
Tumor resection, including limb amputation, is the usual first-line treatment, while chemotherapy is given in combination with surgery to improve survival time by reducing the risk of metastasis.
—Paul McClure 26, New Atlas, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for metastasis
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Jason P. Joseph, The Conversation, 21 May 2025
This is the general explanation for why about 10 percent of patients newly diagnosed with prostate cancer are found to have metastasis (typically bone or lymph nodes) at the time of initial diagnosis.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
This places the cancer in Grade Group 5, the highest risk category, associated with a greater likelihood of metastasis and a more challenging prognosis.
—Eric M. Strauss, ABC News, 18 May 2025
Tumor resection, including limb amputation, is the usual first-line treatment, while chemotherapy is given in combination with surgery to improve survival time by reducing the risk of metastasis.
—Paul McClure 26, New Atlas, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for metastasis
Cite this Entry
“Metastasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metastasis. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
metastasis
noun
me·tas·ta·sis
mə-ˈtas-tə-səs
plural metastases
-ˌsēz
1
: the spread of something that produces disease (as cancer cells) from the original location of disease to another part of the body
2
: a growth of a malignant tumor in another part of the body resulting from metastasis
Medical Definition
metastasis
noun
me·tas·ta·sis
mə-ˈtas-tə-səs
plural metastases
-ˌsēz
1
a
: change of position, state, or form
b
: the spread of a disease-producing agent (as cancer cells or bacteria) or disease from the initial or primary site of disease to another part of the body
The overwhelming concern about prostate cancer is its potential for metastasis—for cells to escape the gland and take root in lymph nodes, bones, lungs, skin, or other tissue.—Tom Alexander, Fortune
Tom Alexander, Fortune
also
: the process by which such spreading occurs
2
: a secondary malignant tumor resulting from metastasis
… radiation has no known effect on distant metastases from breast cancer …—David Plotkin, The Atlantic Monthly
David Plotkin, The Atlantic MonthlyLove words? Need even more definitions?
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