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Difference between revisions of "Metastases"
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[[Image:Metastatic adenocarcinoma - cerebellum - intermed mag.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A [[brain metastasis]]. [[H&E stain]].]] | [[Image:Metastatic adenocarcinoma - cerebellum - intermed mag.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A [[brain metastasis]]. [[H&E stain]].]] | ||
'''Metastases''' are tumours that have spread from elsewhere and are separate from the initial (primary) lesion; usually, they are an ominous finding. | '''Metastases''' are tumours that have spread from elsewhere and are separate from the initial (primary) lesion; usually, they are an ominous finding. | ||
Metastases are not always obvious when encountered; thus, ''metastasis'' should be considered with every diagnosis of a [[cancer|malignant tumour]]. | |||
Seen from pathology, ''metastatic disease'' and ''direct extension of a tumour'' (on a biopsy) may be indistinguishable. Collectively, they may also be referred to as '''secondary tumours'''. | |||
'''''[[Cancers of unknown primary]]''''' are dealt with in the ''[[cancer]]'' article. A general approach to undifferentiated tumours is given in the ''[[basics]]'' article under the heading '''''[[modified general morphologic DDx of malignancy]]'''''. | '''''[[Cancers of unknown primary]]''''' are dealt with in the ''[[cancer]]'' article. A general approach to undifferentiated tumours is given in the ''[[basics]]'' article under the heading '''''[[modified general morphologic DDx of malignancy]]'''''. | ||