Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can sometimes spread beyond the initial tumor in the breast, a process known as metastasis.
While there are many types of breast cancer, metastasis occurs when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and tissues that helps the body fight infection.¹
Common Sites of Metastasis
The most common sites where breast cancer spreads include:
- Bones: Breast cancer cells in the bones can cause pain, weaken the bones, and increase the risk of fractures.²
- Lungs: When breast cancer spreads to the lungs, it can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and chest discomfort.³
- Liver: Liver metastasis may cause abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and loss of appetite.⁴
- Brain: Breast cancer that spreads to the brain can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, seizures, and cognitive changes.⁵
- Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes are often the first place breast cancer spreads, as they are part of the body’s system for filtering out harmful substances.⁶
The Metastatic Process
Metastasis is a complex process with several steps:⁷
- Invasion: Cancer cells invade the surrounding tissues and blood vessels.
- Intravasation: Cancer cells enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
- Circulation: Cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
- Extravasation: Cancer cells leave the bloodstream or lymphatic system and enter a new organ or tissue.⁸
- Colonization: Cancer cells grow and multiply in the new location, forming a secondary tumor.
Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer
The symptoms of metastatic breast cancer vary depending on where the cancer has spread. However, some common symptoms include:⁹
- Pain: Bone pain is common with bone metastasis. Pain can also occur in other areas depending on where the cancer has spread.¹⁰
- Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of many cancers, including metastatic breast cancer.¹¹
- Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of advanced cancer.¹²
- Skin Changes: Metastatic breast cancer can cause skin changes, such as redness, swelling, or dimpling, particularly near the site of the new tumor.¹³
Treatment for Metastatic Breast Cancer
Although metastatic breast cancer is not currently considered curable, there are many treatments available to help manage the disease and improve quality of life. These treatments may include:¹⁴
- Hormonal Therapy: Hormonal therapy is used to block or reduce the effects of estrogen on breast cancer cells.¹⁵
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.¹⁶
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth.¹⁷
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.¹⁸
- Surgery: Surgery may be used to remove tumors or relieve symptoms.
Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Living with metastatic breast cancer can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help people living with the condition and their families cope. Support groups, counseling, and palliative care can help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Remember: This information is for general knowledge and support. It is essential to discuss your individual situation with your healthcare team to determine the best course of treatment and care for you.
References
- American Cancer Society. (2023). Metastatic breast cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/metastatic-breast-cancer.html
- National Cancer Institute. (2023). Metastatic cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/diagnosis/metastatic-cancer
- National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2023). Metastatic breast cancer. Retrieved from https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/metastatic-breast-cancer/
- American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2023). Bone metastasis. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/bone-metastasis/symptoms-and-signs
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Lung metastases. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-metastases/symptoms-causes/syc-20374839
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Liver metastases. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21791-liver-metastases
- National Brain Tumor Society. (2023). Brain metastases. Retrieved from https://braintumor.org/brain-tumor-information/types-of-brain-tumors/brain-metastases/
- Breastcancer.org. (2023). Lymph nodes and breast cancer. Retrieved from https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/lymph_nodes
- National Cancer Institute. (2023). Invasion and metastasis. Retrieved from https://training.seer.cancer.gov/disease/cancer/process/invasion-metastasis.html
- PubMed Central. (2023). The metastatic cascade: Cell dissemination and colonization. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4741851/
- Khan Academy. (2023). Metastasis. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/science/health-and-medicine/cancer/cancer-causes/v/metastasis
- ScienceDirect. (2023). Extravasation. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/extravasation
- Nature Reviews Cancer. (2023). The metastatic niche. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/nrc1340
- Macmillan Cancer Support. (2023). Bone pain. Retrieved from https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/symptoms/bone-pain
- Cancer Research UK. (2023). Fatigue. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/fatigue/about
- American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2023). Weight loss. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/physical-emotional-and-social-effects-cancer/managing-physical-side-effects/weight-loss
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2023). Skin metastases. Retrieved from https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/skin-patient.pdf
- Breastcancer.org. (2023). Hormonal therapy. Retrieved from https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal-therapy
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