What term describes the process by which tumor cells spread from the primary site to a secondary site?

The term that describes the process by which tumor cells spread from the primary site to a secondary site is metastasis. This biological phenomenon occurs when cancer cells break away from the original (primary) tumor, travel through the lymphatic system or bloodstream, and establish new tumors in other organs or tissues of the body. Understanding metastasis is crucial in oncology because it significantly impacts treatment decisions and prognostic outcomes for the patient.

The other terms listed are related to surgical interventions. Preventative surgery refers to procedures aimed at removing tissue or organs that are at a higher risk of developing cancer, while palliative surgery focuses on relieving symptoms and enhancing quality of life without intending to cure the disease. Curative surgery is an approach that aims to completely remove the cancer when the disease is localized. None of these terms pertain to the spreading mechanism of tumor cells, which is the essence of metastasis.