What is the definition of precocious metastasis?

Precocious metastasis refers to the early or unexpected occurrence of metastasis, which is the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to other parts of the body, often occurring before the primary tumor is detected. The characterization of precocious metastasis emphasizes the early presentation of secondary tumors that arise from the initial cancer.

The correct definition aligns with the description of being the first indicator that the cancer may have progressed, even if the primary tumor has not been recognized. Understanding this concept is crucial in oncology, as early metastasis can significantly impact prognosis and treatment strategies.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of cancer and its progression but do not accurately capture the specific meaning of precocious metastasis. Secondary tumors appearing after the primary tumor, a new diagnosis following treatment, and the growth of tumor cells from a previous lesion each relate to different phases or phenomena in cancer management and progression, but not to the early spread of cancer that defines precocious metastasis.