One thing unique to cancer cells is that unlike normal cells, they don't attach themselves to each other that easily. In fact, they often lose it's rigid structure all the same. It is because of this that it is able to squeeze and cross the boundaries between tissues and start invading the surrounding area.

Where there is a malignant tumour that's spreading, there would probably be blood and lymph vessels around it. Ocassionally parts of the tumour or even a single cell can break off and travel to other parts of the body where if it can find a good spot to grow, it'll form a secondary tumour. This is called seeding.

This is why in advance cancer, it's not uncommon to find secondary tumours in places near or along the site of the first tumour. The presence of metastasis is one of the critical components in determining just how bad the cancer is and what kind of treatment should be used.

To put it simply. It's bad news to know the malignant tumour has metastasised.

This year Footsteps in the Mirror will be blogging to raise money for the Association for International Cancer Research which is a non-profit organisation that helps fund cancer research throughout the world. If you're willing to help, you can sign up on the Blogathon website and pledge your amount right here. Help make a difference, no matter how small it may be.