C79.8: Secondary malignant neoplasm of other specified sites

Secondary malignant neoplasm of other specified sites, also known as a secondary cancer, is a type of cancer that has spread from the part of the body where it started (the primary site) to other parts of the body. The spreading process, known as metastasis, occurs when cancer cells break away from the main tumor and move through the bloodstream or lymph system to a new location in the body. This new secondary cancer might occur in any specific area of the body. The symptoms can vary, depending on the location of the secondary cancer. They can include bone pain or fractures, abdominal pain, jaundice, difficulty breathing, and unexplained weight loss. The progression and severity of secondary cancers depend on various factors, including the type and stage of the original cancer, the person's general health, and the extent of the metastasis. Despite carrying the name of the primary cancer, secondary malignancies are treated based on the location they have spread to, not the primary site.