What are common symptoms associated with metastatic cancer?

Metastatic cancer occurs when cancer cells spread from the primary tumor to other parts of the body. Common symptoms associated with metastatic cancer often include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, and the presence of lumps or masses, which can indicate that cancer has spread to various tissues or organs.

Unexplained weight loss is frequently observed because the body is using energy to fight the cancer, leading to a decrease in overall appetite and nutrition. Fatigue is another common symptom, as the body is often under significant stress due to the cancer's demands. Pain may arise from the tumor pressing on bones, organs, or nerves, depending on where the metastasis has occurred. Additionally, the development of lumps may be due to the presence of metastatic tumors in lymph nodes or other tissues.

These symptoms collectively paint a picture of the physical and systemic effects that metastatic cancer can have on a patient's body, which is why this choice accurately reflects the clinical picture associated with advanced malignancies.

In contrast, increased appetite and energy would not typically be associated with cancer progression. Severe headaches and blurry vision can occur with specific types of metastasis (for instance, when cancer spreads to the brain) but are not general symptoms for all metastatic cancers. Frequent infections and hair loss might