Metastatic/Stage 4 Cancer
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CUREtology
C. Suzanne Cutter, MD
Surgical Oncology located in Los Angeles, CA
By its very nature, cancer is a disease that spreads. When you have cancer, these cells divide and grow uncontrollably in a process called metastasis, reaching other parts of your body. At CUREtology, Dr. Cutter specializes in hard-to-treat metastatic cancers. She serves the West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Pasadena, and surrounding Los Angeles, CA areas bringing a holistic and comprehensive problem-solving approach to best manage and control your disease. To learn more, call today to book your appointment.
Metastatic/Stage 4 Cancer Q & A
What is metastatic cancer?
Most cancers are divided into four stages:
Stage 1
The cancer is local and only affects one area.
Stage 2
The cancer has grown into surrounding tissue or has gone into nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 3
Your cancer has spread further into neighboring tissue or organs and lymph nodes.
Stage 4
The cancer has spread to other parts of your body.
Metastatic cancer is the same as stage 4 cancer.
How does cancer spread?
Cancer can spread in a number of ways, but most usually through your lymph system or your bloodstream.
Your lymph system delivers lymphocytes (immune cells) throughout your body as part of your immune system, which means it casts a wide net. Lymph nodes are located all along this complex network, and they’re formed by collections of immune cells. Cancer cells can break away from the point of origin and use your lymph system to travel to new areas, often pausing in your lymph nodes as they spread.
If your cancer enters your bloodstream, it can travel almost anywhere. While many of these dangerous cells die off, they may find a suitable environment where they can continue to thrive and grow, creating new tumors far from where they started.
How is Metastatic/Stage 4 Cancer treated?
This is a very hard question to answer since it depends entirely upon the original cancer, how aggressive the cancer cells are, and where the cancer has traveled to.
Because of this, it’s important that you gather the best team of specialists available to help you address problems as they arise. Dr. Cutter is a very valuable member of this team, not only for her surgical expertise but the oversight she provides in helping you negotiate your stage IV cancer.
One of the first steps in your treatment may be to surgically remove your cancer, which Dr. Cutter performs using the most advanced techniques available. Not stopping there, Dr. Cutter continues to work with you after your surgery, providing the support you need as you receive adjuvant care, which is usually chemotherapy and radiation. You may also benefit from targeted therapies and immunotherapy, depending upon your situation.
Dr. Cutter’s postoperative work emphasizes health and wellness as your body continues to fight the cancer. Her goal is to give your body the tools it needs to stand up against the invading cells.
If you’re in the advanced stages of cancer, call CUREtology or request a consultation using the online scheduling tool.
