Sonali Bendre’s diagnosis: What do the terms 'high-grade cancer' and 'metastasis' mean?

Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre Behl today revealed she has been diagnosed with "high-grade" cancer and is currently undergoing treatment in New York.

The 43-year-old actor called the diagnosis a "curveball" but said her family and close friends have rallied around her and they remain "optimistic" in this difficult time.

"Sometimes, when you least expect it, life throws you a curveball. I have recently been diagnosed with a high-grade cancer that has metastised, which we frankly did not see coming. A niggling pain led to some tests, which led to this unexpected diagnosis.

There are two main terms that Sonali Bendre has used. Metastasis and ‘high-grade cancer’. Here’s what it means: 

According to TheHealthsite.com, metastasis is the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another through blood or lymphatic system. If the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes or tissues close to its origin (primary site), it’s a regional or local metastasis. If the cancer spreads to tissues or organs farther away it’s called a distant metastasis.

What is high-grade cancer?

Cancer is labelled in stage cancer from I to IV, with IV being the most serious. The groups are based on a more detailed system that includes specific info about tumours and how it affects the rest of the body.

In high-grade (poorly differentiated) cancers, the cancer cells look very different normal cells and the cells tend to grow quickly and have a worse outlook, so they need different treatments compared to low-grade cancers.

Types of staging

Stage 0 means there’s no cancer, only abnormal cells with potential to become cancer.

Stage I means cancer is small and in one area. This is called early-stage cancer.

Stage II and III means cancer is larger and has grown into nearby tissues or lymph nodes.

Stage IV means cancer has spread to other parts of your body and it’s called advanced or metastatic cancer.

According to WebMD, the grade for most cancers is a measure of how abnormal the cancer cells look under the microscope. This is called differentiation. The grade can be important because cancers with more abnormal-looking cells tend to grow and spread faster.

The grade is usually assigned a number. Even when the grade doesn’t affect cancer’s stage, it may still affect the outlook and/or treatment.

What Bendre said

"My family and close friends have rallied around me, providing the best support system that anyone can ask for. I am very blessed and thankful for each of them," Sonali said in a statement.

The actor, the latest Bollywood celebrity to be diagnosed with cancer after Irrfan Khan, said she is taking the battle head on.

"There is no better way to tackle this, than to take swift and immediate action. And so, as advised by my doctors, I am currently undergoing a course of treatment in New York. We remain optimistic and I am determined to fight every step of the way... I'm taking this battle head on, knowing I have the strength of my family and friends behind me," she added.

Bendra hasn’t revealed the type of cancer she is suffering from but thanked family and friends for the "immense outpouring of love and support".

Bendre, best known for her role in '90s movies such as "Sarfarosh", "Diljale" and "Duplicate", is married to filmmaker Goldie Behl. The couple has a 13-year-old son, Ranveer.

The actor, who has been more active on television in the past decade, recently left her judging chair at reality TV show "India's Best Dramebaaz". She has been replaced by Huma Qureshi.