What is Oligometastatic cancer: Oligometastatic cancer is called the window of hope of cancer. This is the stage where the disease can be controlled or eliminated through treatment. Know complete details about it.
Actress Tannishtha Chatterjee, known for films like Zoram, Parched and Angry Indian Goddesses, is battling stage 4 oligo-metastatic cancer. In the world of cancer, Oligometastatic Cancer is a term which is neither a completely early stage cancer nor a very advanced stage. This is the middle stage of cancer, in which the tumor has spread to one or two other parts of the body, but at a very limited level. If this stage is identified in time, its treatment is possible and both the life expectancy and quality of life of the patient can improve.
What is oligometastatic cancer?
When cancer starts in one organ and starts spreading to other parts, it is called metastatic cancer. But if this spread is very limited i.e. spread to only 3 to 5 places, then it is called oligometastatic stage. This is a transition stage between early cancer (Localized) and advanced cancer (Widespread Metastatic). At this stage, there is a possibility of controlling or completely eliminating cancer, especially if timely and accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment is received.
Read more – What happens in the last stage of blood cancer? How to recognize symptoms in time
How does oligometastatic cancer spread?
When cancer cells leave the primary tumor and travel to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system, they can form new tumors. But in oligometastatic cases, cancer cells spread in limited quantities. The body’s immune system or tissue barrier prevents them from spreading further. This is why this stage is considered the most sensitive to treatment.
Oligometastatic Cancer Symptoms
- persistent fatigue and weakness
- unexplained weight loss
- Mild or persistent pain in the tumor area
- loss of appetite and lack of sleep
- Difficulty breathing (if cancer has spread to the lungs)
- Bone pain or fractures (if bone metastases have occurred)
- paleness or lack of blood cells
- In the oligometastatic stage, symptoms are very mild or vague, so routine checkups and cancer screening are extremely important.
Read more – Can drinking beer cause baldness? Know what was revealed in the study
Oligometastatic Cancer Causes
- Gene Mutation – Some gene mutations allow cancer cells to spread to a limited extent.
- Low Metastatic Potential – Not all cancer cells have the same ability to spread.
- Control of the immune system – The body’s immune cells sometimes stop cancer from spreading completely.
- Tumor type and growth rate – Slow-growing tumors may be limited to the oligometastatic stage.
- Half effect of treatment – In some patients, the therapy already given partially stops the cancer from spreading.