Which cancers are typically considered the most lethal?

The most lethal cancers are typically those that metastasize through the bloodstream. When cancer cells spread from their original site to other parts of the body via the circulatory system, they can establish secondary tumors in vital organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain. This wide-reaching ability significantly complicates treatment and often leads to a more advanced stage of the disease, making it harder to manage and increasing the likelihood of a poor prognosis.

In contrast, localized tumors are confined to their original site and can often be surgically removed or treated effectively before they spread. Benign tumors, while they can cause complications, typically do not spread to other areas and are not cancerous. Cancers that only affect the skin, such as some forms of basal cell carcinoma, generally have a high survival rate and are often treatable when detected early. These factors underscore why metastasizing cancers represent a greater threat to patient survival compared to localized or less aggressive forms of cancer.