Tiny Sounds, Big Meaning:

Metastasis vs. Metastases vs. Metastatic

In medical interpretation, accuracy is not just about words, it’s about sounds. Sometimes, a single syllable can completely change the meaning of a diagnosis. One area where this is especially important is oncology, the field of cancer care.

Here are three commonly confused terms that sound similar but carry very different meanings:

• Metastasis /mə-ˈtas-tə-sis/ → the spread of cancer to one body organ
• Metastases /mə-ˈtas-tə-sēz/ → the spread of cancer to multiple body organs
• Metastatic /ˌmet-ə-ˈsta-tik/ → the adjective form, describing cancer that has spread

For interpreters, these distinctions are critical. Using the singular instead of the plural—or confusing the adjective with the noun—can mislead a patient and alter their understanding of their condition.

As interpreters, we are more than language bridges; we are accuracy advocates. Small pronunciation differences carry big meaning in oncology. Precision matters.

👉 What other medical terms have you found tricky to pronounce or easy to confuse? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you.