Hematogenous Spread

Term: Hematogenous SpreadDefinition: The dissemination of cancer cells through the bloodstream to distant parts of the body.Phonetic Pronunciation: (hee-muh-TAH-juh-nuhs SPRED)Origin: The term "hematogenous" is derived from the Greek words "haima," meaning blood, and "genos," meaning origin or production. This reflects the process of cancer cells spreading via the blood, a critical pathway in the metastatic process.Significance in Asbestos Context: Hematogenous spread is particularly relevant in asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, where cancer cells can spread from the initial site in the pleura or peritoneum to other organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for diagnosing and managing the progression of asbestos-related cancers.Example Sentence: The patient's advanced mesothelioma was characterized by hematogenous spread to the liver, complicating treatment options.Related Terms: Metastasis, Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Bloodstream, Cancer DisseminationNotes: - Hematogenous spread is one of several ways cancer can metastasize; it can also spread through the lymphatic system or directly invade nearby tissues. - Early detection of hematogenous spread can significantly impact the prognosis and treatment strategy for asbestos-related diseases.