Final answer:
Gastric metastases involve the spread of gastric cancer to distant sites in the body, such as the left supraclavicular fossa (Virchow's node), periumbilical lymph nodes (Sister Mary Joseph's nodule), and the ovary (Krukenberg tumor). It indicates a form of distant or metastatic cancer, generally associated with an advanced stage of the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gastric Metastases Explained
Gastric metastases involve the spread of gastric cancer to various distant sites within the body. When gastric cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, they may form new cancers at distant sites, known as metastasis. A particular case of this is when gastric cancer spreads to lymph nodes in the left supraclavicular fossa, which is referred to as Virchow's node. Another example is when it spreads to periumbilical lymph nodes, presenting as an umbilical mass, often called Sister Mary Joseph's nodule. Lastly, gastric cancer can also metastasize to the ovary, this is known as Krukenberg tumor.
Localized cancer means the cancer is limited to its place of origin, while regional cancer has spread to nearby tissues, including lymph nodes. However, gastric metastases are considered a form of distant spread, or metastatic cancer, as the cancer cells have traveled to organs and regions far from their original site, often indicating an advanced stage of disease. These signs of metastatic gastric cancer can be vital for diagnosing the extent and staging of cancer.
Metastatic cancers, including those originating from the stomach, can spread to various organs such as lymph nodes, liver, brain, and bones. Understanding the patterns and pathways of cancer spread is crucial in the treatment and management of the disease.