ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mets

n.
US //ˈmɛts// mets
  1. 1 cancer spread (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal Technical Medicine

    a short word for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

    Abbreviation for metastases. Used colloquially among medical professionals to describe secondary tumours.

    Example

    The doctor checked the scan to see if there were any mets in the liver.

    Example

    The oncologist noted that while the primary tumour had shrunk, the patient unfortunately presented with new bone mets in the spinal column.

    Usage

    Usually plural; almost exclusively used in clinical settings between colleagues.

    Teacher's tip

    This is highly specialised medical jargon. While common in hospitals, it may sound insensitive if used when speaking directly to a patient or their family.
    • metastases
    • secondary tumours
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Last updated June 20, 2026