What Is Metastatic Cancer and How It Spreads?
Metastatic cancer occurs when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and establish new tumors in distant organs like liver, lungs, bones, or brain. It is classified as Stage IV regardless of the primary...
Why Are My Lymph Nodes Swollen?
Swollen lymph nodes most commonly result from infections as the immune system filters and fights bacteria or viruses. Infection swelling is painful, soft, and resolves within 2-3 weeks. Cancer-related swelling is painless, hard, immovable, and grows progressively...
Stage 1 vs Stage 2 Cancer Differences
Stage 1 cancer is small, confined to the organ where it started, with no lymph node involvement and carries five-year survival above 90% for most cancer types. Stage 2 is larger in size, may have invaded nearby tissue or spread to a limited number of regional lymph...
When to Start Chemo After Cancer Surgery?
Adjuvant chemotherapy typically starts 3-6 weeks after cancer surgery once surgical wound healing is confirmed and the patient can tolerate systemic treatment. Starting too early before 3 weeks risks wound complications including dehiscence and infection. Delaying...