Metastatic spread and common symptoms. Part One: Introduction, bladder cancer, and brain cancer.

This is the first of a multi-part series detailing the metastatic spread and natural history of 18 common tumors. The introduction summarizes (1) the concept of symptom/problem anticipation and early identification; (2) the process of cancer metastasis; and (3) the 18 tumors that each cause more than 6,000 deaths per year in the United States. Bladder cancer is discussed, with information included on tumor types, metastatic spread and invasion, and common symptoms. Obstructive uropathy is the oncologic emergency most commonly associated with bladder cancer. Sites of spread, resulting problems, and assessment parameters are presented as a table. Brain cancer (and brain metastasis) is discussed, with information included on tumor types, invasion (the primary means of spread in primary brain cancer), and common symptoms. Increased intracranial pressure and, to a lesser extent, spinal cord compression are the oncologic emergencies most commonly associated with brain cancer. Sites of spread, resulting problems (including site-specific symptoms), and assessment parameters are presented as a table.