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How does cancer spread through the body? - Ivan Seah Yu Jun

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Cancer usually begins with one tumor in a specific area of the body. But if the tumor is not removed, cancer has the ability to spread to nearby organs as well as places far away from the origin, like the brain. How does cancer move to these new areas and why are some organs more likely to get infected than others? Ivan Seah Yu Jun explains the three common routes of metastasis.

Which theory is more popularly used to explain metastasis today? Give some examples of metastatic cancers that spread according to each theory.

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Ivan Seah Yu Jun
  • Animation Artist Andrew Foerster
  • Script Editor Michael Molina
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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