What is Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Metastatic Breast Cancer is also classified as Stage 4 breast cancer. The cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This usually includes the lungs, liver, bones or brain.
How does cancer spread or metastasize?
The spread of cancer usually happens through one or more of the following steps:
1. Cancer cells invade nearby healthy cells. When the healthy cells is taken over, it too can replicate more abnormal cells.
2. Cancer cells penetrate into the circulatory or lymph system. Cancer cells travel through the walls of nearby lymph vessels or blood vessels.
3. Migration through circulation. Cancer cells are carried by the lymph system and the blood stream to other parts of the body.
4. Cancer cells lodge in capillaries. Cancer cells stop moving as they are lodge in capillaries at a distant location and divide and migrate into the surrounding tissue.
5. New small tumors grow. Cancer cells form small tumors at the new location (called micrometastases)
What are The Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer?
The symptoms may vary, depending on how far your breast cancer has spread and what type of tissue the new cancer growth has invaded. All symptoms should be reported to your physician.
Metastasis in the bones may cause:
- severe, progressive pain
- swelling
- bones that are more easily fractured or broken
Metastasis to the brain may cause:
- persistent, progressive worsening headache or pressure to the head
- vision disturbances
- seizures
- vomiting or nausea
- behavioral changes or personality changes
Metastasis to the liver may cause:
- jaundice
- itchy skin or rash
- abnormally high enzyme in the liver
- abnormal pain, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting
Metastasis to the lungs may cause:
- chronic cough or inability to get a full breath
- abnormal chest x-ray
- chest pain
- other nonspecific systemic symptoms of metastatic breast cancer can include fatigue, weight loss and poor appetite, but it's important to remember these can also be caused by medication or depression.
Souce: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/metastatic-breast-cancer
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