Breast cancer classification: metastatic breast cancer

Breast cancer classification: metastatic breast cancer。 The metastasis of breast cancer is very common in clinic, usually to the brain, liver, bone and other parts.Metastatic breast cancer (also called stage IV) is breast cancer that has spread to another part of the body, most commonly the liver, brain, bones or lungs.

Cancer cells can break away from the original tumor in the breast and enter other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Months or years after the initial diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer is at risk of recurrence. Nearly 30% of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer have metastases.

Some people are called metastatic breast cancer when they are first diagnosed with breast cancer. This means that breast cancer is not detected before it has spread to another part of the body.

Metastatic tumors in different parts of the body are composed of cells from breast cancer. Therefore, if breast cancer spreads to the bone, the metastatic tumor in the bone is composed of breast cancer cells instead of bone cells.

Remember, metastatic disease is not hopeless. At this stage, many people continue to live a long life with breast cancer. There are multiple treatment options for metastatic breast cancer, and new drugs are being tested every day. While receiving treatment for metastatic breast cancer, more and more people are living full lives.

Although metastatic breast cancer may not disappear completely, treatment may control it for many years. If one treatment stops working, there is usually another treatment to try. The cancer may be active at times and then enter remission at other times. Many different treatments are usually used, individually, in combination or sequentially. When the disease is under control and you feel good, taking a break during treatment can have a major impact on your quality of life.

Metastatic breast cancer symptoms and diagnosis

The symptoms of metastatic breast cancer can vary according to the location of the cancer. This section describes the symptoms of breast cancer that has spread to the bones, lungs, brain, and liver, and the tests used to diagnose metastatic breast cancer.

Bone metastases: symptoms and diagnosis

The most common symptom of breast cancer that has spread to the bones is a sudden, obvious new pain. Breast cancer can spread to any bone, but most commonly it spreads to the ribs, spine, pelvis, or long bones of the arms and legs.

Lung metastases: symptoms and diagnosis

When breast cancer enters the lungs, it usually causes no symptoms. If lung metastasis does cause symptoms, it may include lung pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and persistent coughing.

Brain metastases: symptoms and diagnosis

Symptoms of breast cancer that have spread to the brain may include headaches, speech or vision changes, memory problems, etc.

Liver metastases: symptoms and diagnosis

When breast cancer spreads to the liver, it usually causes no symptoms. If liver metastases do cause symptoms, they may include mid-stage pain or discomfort, fatigue and weakness, weight loss or loss of appetite, and fever.

Metastatic breast cancer treatment and planning

After being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, you need to spend all your time gathering information and making treatment decisions. Learn about medical experts who may involve your care, treatment options, genetic testing, taking a break from treatment, etc.

Surgery

Doctors sometimes recommend surgery to treat metastatic breast cancer, for example, to prevent liver fractures or blockage of cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to treat metastatic breast cancer to destroy or destroy cancer cells as much as possible.

Radiation Therapy

If symptoms occur for pain relief and cancer control in specific areas, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy drugs are used to help shrink or slow the growth of hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Targeted treatment

Targeted therapy targets specific characteristics of cancer cells, such as proteins that allow cancer cells to grow in a rapid or abnormal manner.

Local treatment of distant metastases

Local treatments specifically target new locations of breast cancer, such as the bones or liver. For example, if metastatic breast cancer causes pain, these treatments can be recommended.

Genetic testing and metastatic breast cancer videos

A licensed and certified genetic counselor will discuss the benefits of genetic counseling and genetic testing for patients with metastatic breast cancer and patients with metastatic breast cancer, and why she chose to receive genetic counseling.

Complementary and holistic medicine and metastatic breast cancer

Practices such as acupuncture, massage, hypnosis, meditation and yoga can help relieve the symptoms of metastatic breast cancer, reduce the side effects of treatment, and improve the quality of life.

Clinical trials of metastatic breast cancer

Clinical trials of metastatic breast cancer are important steps to discover new therapies and improve the standard of care. They can also help eligible patients receive new treatments.

Take a break from treating metastatic breast cancer

Many people with metastatic breast cancer decide to suspend or stop treatment at some point. This page describes some of the issues to consider when weighing these decisions.

(source:internet, reference only)

Disclaimer of medicaltrend.org