Which process is involved in metastasis of cancer cells?

Metastasis is a complex process that allows cancer cells to spread from the primary tumor to other parts of the body, which is a key characteristic of malignant tumors. The correct answer highlights that cells can break off from the original tumor and form sub-colonies in distant organs or tissues. This involves a series of steps: cancer cells must detach from the main tumor, invade surrounding tissues, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and survive the journey to colonize a new site.

The process is critical for the progression of cancer, whereby these separate colonies can develop into new tumors, contributing to the overall spread of the disease. This ability to metastasize significantly affects the prognosis and treatment strategies for cancer patients, making understanding this mechanism vital for effective oncology nursing practice.

On the other hand, the other options do not accurately represent the process of metastasis. The division of cells within a tumor pertains to tumor growth rather than spread, remaining localized describes benign behavior and lacks the invasive quality of metastatic disease, and the absorption of nutrients does not directly involve the movement of cancer cells to other locations in the body. All these aspects underscore the specific nature of the metastatic process and its implications for patient care and treatment.