Definition: Micrometastasis is a small collection of cancer cells that have been shed from the original tumor and spread to another part of the body. They can not be seen with any imaging tests such as mammogram, MRI, ultrasound, PET, or CT scans. These migrant cancer cells may group together and form a second tumor, which is so small that it can only be seen under a microscope.
Pronunciation: MY-kroh-meh-TAS-tuh-sis
Common Misspellings: micrometastisis
Examples:
During a sentinel lymph node biopsy, the lymph nodes that are removed will be tested for micrometastasis. If a lymph node is found to contain micrometastasis, it is said to be positive, and this information affects your diagnosis, staging, and treatment plan.
