Which of these terms refers to the spread of cancer cells from one part of the body to another?

The term that refers to the spread of cancer cells from one part of the body to another is abbreviated as "METS," which stands for "metastasis." In the context of cancer, metastasis describes how cancer cells can leave their original (primary) site, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and establish new tumors in distant organs or tissues. This process is a critical aspect of cancer progression and significantly impacts treatment options and patient prognosis.

The abbreviation "dx" typically refers to diagnosis, indicating the identification of a disease or condition. "px" stands for prognosis, which predicts the likely outcome or course of a disease after diagnosis. "XRT" is short for radiation therapy, a treatment method often used for cancer but does not denote the spread of cancer itself. Thus, METS is the correct term when discussing the dissemination of cancer cells throughout the body.