Breast cancer is one of the most well-known types of cancer. Awareness about this potentially deadly disease has been growing for decades now, and so too have the number of cases. It’s estimated that approximately 279,100 people will develop and be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. And about six percent of those cases will actually be metastatic breast cancer.
Metastatic breast cancer is the deadliest form of breast cancer. When this cancer becomes metastatic, it enters more advanced stages – and it becomes more difficult to treat and cure. As a result, metastatic breast cancer is responsible for most breast cancer deaths.
What happens when breast cancer enters these more advanced stages? What differences are there between breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer? The following are the facts about metastatic breast cancer, its symptoms, and its potential treatment options.
How Breast Cancer Spreads
When cancer spreads beyond its original site, it metastasizes. This occurs when cancer cells break off from the initial tumor, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and begin multiplying in other areas of the body. Metastatic cancer begins forming tumors in new places and organs.
And while breast cancer is a deadly disease on its own, metastatic breast cancer is even more concerning. It’s estimated that between 20 and 30 percent of individuals who are diagnosed with breast cancer eventually see their cancer metastasize.
Breast cancer often isn’t metastatic when it’s first diagnosed. However, it’s common for this cancer to metastasize months or years later – even after treatment has occurred. When it does metastasize, it commonly appears in the lungs, brain, liver, and bones.
Doctors can diagnose metastatic breast cancer with a series of tests. They will likely perform blood tests, order an MRI, and have a CT scan done. This helps them confirm exactly where the cancer has spread to in order to best plan out potential treatments.
The Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Because metastatic breast cancer occurs in different areas of the body, its symptoms are often different than the symptoms of breast cancer. Symptoms will vary depending on where in the body the cancer has spread and the size of the tumors present.
Commonly, breast cancer metastasizes within the bones, typically the bones closest to the breasts. Symptoms of breast cancer that’s spread to the bones often brings symptoms like sharp bone pains, fatigue, nausea, and weakness.
If breast cancer metastasizes into the lungs, symptoms can include coughing, pain in the lungs, and shortness of breath. In cases where the cancer metastasizes into the liver, you might experience common symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fever, bloating, and jaundice.
It’s less common for breast cancer to metastasize to the brain, but it can happen. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of cases spread to the brain, which can bring on symptoms like headaches, memory issues, changes in balance, or even seizures.
Make sure to keep a close eye on any changes that happen to your health. It can be difficult to detect new symptoms, but they can appear at any time. If you think you’re experiencing changes that might be connected to breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer, it’s important to notify your doctor.
How Metastatic Breast Cancer is Treated
Treating metastatic breast cancer involves similar treatment options to localized breast cancer. However, because the cancer is present in more places throughout the body, it can be more challenging to treat. Each type of treatment works differently, and the effectiveness will depend on the stage, location, and size of your cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat all different kinds and stages of cancer. During this treatment, medication targets the cancer present in your body to prevent growth and spreading. Chemotherapy can involve many different kinds of medications, and your doctor will determine which may be the best choice for your unique situation.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is often used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as after surgery or along with chemotherapy. During radiation therapy, high-energy beams are used to destroy cancer cells. The treatment can be focused or targeted on any area of the body.
Surgery
Once breast cancer metastasizes, it becomes much more difficult to remove the cancer surgically. Metastatic breast cancer is often present in too many places to be able to eliminate it via surgery. However, surgery can still be used as a method of treatment. Surgeons may be able to remove some tumors, repair areas of the body that have been damaged by tumors, and more.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that uses medication to target cancerous cells. These medications may be able to target what causes cancerous cells to grow, or they may be able to kill cancer cells. This treatment can be less harsh than options like chemotherapy, and different types of targeted therapy may be able to be used together or independently.
If you’re living with metastatic breast cancer, there is hope. There are ways to treat this type of cancer, and treatments may be able to increase your comfort and quality of life. The key is communicating any changes or concerns regarding your health with your doctor. The sooner your doctor is able to diagnose a condition like metastatic breast cancer, the sooner they can begin working on a treatment plan.