Metastatic Breast Cancer: Everything You Need to Know
Metastatic Breast Cancer can be a life-changing and unfortunate event for many women.
It is a stage 4 cancer that has spread from the breast to other body parts such as bones and lungs.
While there is no cure for MBC, treatments are available to manage the disease and improve quality of life.
As per Cancer.net, 6% of women have Metastatic Breast Cancer when they know about it for the first time.
In this article, we’ll learn about the various symptoms, causes, treatments, and preventions for Metastatic Breast Cancer.
Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer
The symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer depend on where the cancer cells have invaded.
The cancer cells can enter different body parts such as bones, brain, liver, or lungs.
The symptoms as per the body part affected are as follows:
Bone metastases
If the cancer cells move to the bones, then you can face the following symptoms:
- Bone pain
- Swelling
- Bones can get fractured very easily
Brain metastases
In case the cancer cells invade the brain, you may face the following symptoms:
- Visual disturbances
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Worse headaches
- Pressure in head
- Personality changes
Liver metastases
When the cancer cells approach the liver, you may experience the following:
- Itchy skin or rashes
- Stomach pain
- Jaundice
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
Lung metastases
You may experience the following if cancer cells reach the lungs:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain
- Cough that doesn’t go away
Some other symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Some other symptoms which may be rarely visible in individuals having Breast Cancer are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Liver test showing high enzyme levels
Causes
Generally, Breast Cancer occurs when some breast cells start growing abnormally.
These cells divide more rapidly than healthy breast cells and continue to collect, forming a lump.
Cells may spread or metastasize from your breast to other body parts (Metastatic Breast Cancer).
Breast cancer most often begins from the cells in milk-producing ducts, also called invasive ductal carcinoma.
Yet the exact cause of Breast Cancer is still confusing. Individuals having no risk factors develop cancer, but some people with risk factors never do.
Some other causes and risk factors of Metastatic Breast Cancer are as follows:
- Inherited breast cancer: As per the American Cancer Society, 5% to 10% of breast cancer are thought to be hereditary.
- Personal history of breast conditions: You are more likely to develop breast cancer if a breast biopsy revealed lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia of the breast
- Radiation exposure: If you have received radiation treatments to your chest at a young age, you might be at risk of developing Breast Cancer
- Beginning period at a younger age: You may be at risk of developing Breast Cancer if your periods start before age 12
- Obesity: Being obese can cause various health problems, including Breast Cancer
- Menopause at an older age: Breast cancer is more likely to occur in women who got menopause after the age of 55
- Drinking alcohol: Drinking alcohol increases the risk of getting breast cancer
Diagnosis
If you face any symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer and are at higher risk of getting it, your doctor may recommend you the following tests:
- Imaging tests, including MRI, CT, bone scan, and PET
- Blood tests, comprehensive metabolic panel, and complete blood count
- Bronchoscopy, which uses a scope to look inside your lungs
- Biopsy, to remove tissues from a suspicious area and analyze it
Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment for metastatic breast cancer aims to slow cancer progression, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer, here are some treatment options to consider:
Systemic therapy
This treatment includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy.
These treatments target cancer cells throughout the body and may be given alone or in combination.
The specific treatment chosen will depend on the characteristics of cancer and the patient’s overall health.
Your doctor may recommend Arimidex 1mg and Aromasin 25mg during hormonal therapy to inhibit Estrogen production.
Radiation therapy
This may be used to relieve pain or other symptoms caused by cancer.
Radiation Therapy may also treat cancer that has spread to the bones.
Surgery
Surgery may be used to remove a single metastasis or to relieve symptoms caused by cancer.
The symptoms generally include blockage or pressure on an organ.
Clinical trials
Patients having Metastatic Breast Cancer may be eligible to participate in clinical trials.
Check with your doctor if there are any such trials going on.
These trials test new treatments or a combination of treatments that are not available widely.
Prevention
Preventing Metastatic Breast Cancer is not always possible. Still, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of Breast Cancer.
Here are some ways that can help prevent Metastatic Breast Cancer:
- Breastfeeding: Some studies suggest that breastfeeding may help lower the risk of Breast Cancer, especially if done for a longer duration
- Keep a healthy weight: Being overweight can increase the risk of breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and having a good diet can help in the prevention
- Limit alcohol intake: The more you drink, the greater the risk. To reduce the risk of Breast Cancer, limit the amount of drinking alcohol to zero
- Regular screening: Mammography and breast self-exams can help detect Breast Cancer at an early stage. Women should consult a healthcare professional about when to start screening and do mammograms
Conclusion
Metastatic Breast Cancer is advanced cancer known as stage 4 Breast Cancer.
It happens when cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, such as bones, lungs, and brain.
While there is no treatment for this cancer, therapy can help you feel better and prolong your life.
Various medications are available; your doctor may prescribe another if one treatment is not working.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you still don’t feel better after undergoing Breast Cancer treatment.
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