Metastatic Breast Cancer

Definition

Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage of breast cancer. It occurs when cancer cells from a tumor in the breast break off and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The most common places it spreads to is the bone, lungs, brain, and liver.

Symptoms

Metastatic breast cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does, the first symptoms are often caused by places where the cancer has spread. For example, brain metastasis might cause bad headaches. Or lung metastasis may cause chest pain or shortness of breath. 

Many times, the diagnosis is made from testing to figure out why someone is having these symptoms.

Treatment

The treatment for metastatic breast cancer is usually medications that can circulate throughout the whole body. Examples include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. This way, the treatment can reach the cancer cells wherever they’re growing. 

Other treatments — like surgery or radiation — are less effective since they focus on just one tumor site. 

Prognosis

There’s no cure for metastatic breast cancer. But with newer treatments, many people live many years after diagnosis. So often the goal of treatment is to help people live as long as possible and with as few symptoms as possible. This often means treatment to fight the cancer, medications to ease any side effects or symptoms, and the right mental health and social support to help cope with the condition.