Metastatic breast cancer is a type of cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. Metastatic breast cancer is also known as stage IV or advanced breast cancer. While there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer, treatments are available to help manage the disease and extend life.
Metastatic breast cancer is an aggressive form of the disease that spreads to other parts of the body. It is the most advanced stage of breast cancer and is very difficult to treat. Metastatic breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all breast cancer deaths.
There is no cure for metastatic breast cancer, but treatments can prolong a person’s life and improve their quality of life.
Table of Contents
What is metastatic breast cancer?
What is the Difference between Breast Cancer And Metastatic Breast Cancer?
The main difference between breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer is that the former is localized to the breast while the latter has spread beyond the breast. Metastatic breast cancer is also more likely to be fatal than breast cancer.
What are the First Signs of Metastatic Breast Cancer?
The first signs of metastatic breast cancer can be very subtle and easy to miss. They may include a new lump in the breast or armpit, a change in the size or shape of the breast, a change in the appearance of the nipple, or a new rash on the skin. More obvious signs may develop over time, such as pain in the bones, fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, and anemia.
If you notice any changes in your breasts that are not normal for you, it is important to see your doctor right away so that they can determine if further testing is needed.
How Long Do You Live With Metastatic Breast Cancer?
There is not one answer to this question as each individual’s experience with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is unique. Some people living with MBC may only have a few months left to live, while others may live for years or even decades.
The average life expectancy for someone with MBC is three years from the time of diagnosis.
However, many people live much longer than this – some for five years or more. There are also a small number of people who go into remission and live for many years without the disease progressing.
It’s important to remember that these statistics are averages and do not apply to everyone.
Each person’s situation is different and must be considered on an individual basis. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with MBC, it’s important to speak with your doctor about what you can expect and how you can best manage the disease.
What Causes Metastatic Breast Cancer?
There is not one answer to the question of what causes metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has spread from the breast tissue to other parts of the body. The most common place for breast cancer to spread is to the lymph nodes, but it can also spread to the bones, liver, lungs, and brain.
There are many different factors that can contribute to the development of metastatic disease.
Some women have a genetic predisposition to developing breast cancer. Certain mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase a woman’s risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancers.
Women with these mutations often opt for preventive mastectomies (removal of the breasts) even if they have no signs or symptoms of cancer. Other inherited syndromes like Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Cowden syndrome also increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Other risk factors for developing breast cancer include being overweight or obese, drinking alcohol, taking certain hormone replacement therapies, starting menstruation at a young age, having children later in life, and having a family history of breast cancer.
Some lifestyle choices like smoking cigarettes and not exercising regularly can also play a role in increasing your risk.
Once breast cancer has developed, there are several things that can influence its growth and spread. Tumor grade is one factor – tumors that are graded as higher numbers (3 or 4) tend to be more aggressive and more likely to metastasize than lower-grade tumors (1 or 2).
Lymph node status is another important prognostic indicator – cancers that have already spread to nearby lymph nodes are more likely to metastasize than those that have not yet reached the lymph nodes. Hormone receptor status is also significant – estrogen receptor-positive tumors are usually less aggressive than estrogen receptor-negative tumors.
Credit: www.cancernetwork.com
What is Metastatic Breast Cancer Symptoms
There are several types of breast cancer, but the most common is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the cells lining the milk ducts. Metastatic breast cancer is an aggressive form of the disease that has spread beyond the breast tissue to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or bones. While metastatic breast cancer is not curable, it is treatable with a variety of methods depending on each individual case.
Most cases of metastatic breast cancer are diagnosed after a woman notices changes in her breasts and undergoes a mammogram or other imaging tests. However, some women may not have any symptoms at all until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. In its early stages, metastatic breast cancer may cause no symptoms other than those of general ill health, such as fatigue or weight loss.
As it progresses, metastatic breast cancer can cause a lump or mass in the breast that may be painful; changes in the skin overlying the tumor; nipple discharge; and enlargement or tenderness of lymph nodes under the arm.
Metastatic breast cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The specific treatment approach depends on many factors including how far along the disease has progressed and where it has spread to in the body.
In some cases where surgery is not possible or would not be effective, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may be used as palliative treatments to control symptoms and improve quality of life.
How is Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosed
There are several ways that metastatic breast cancer can be diagnosed. The most common method is through a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of tissue from the suspicious area and testing it for cancerous cells. Other methods include imaging tests such as MRI or PET scans, which can help to identify where the cancer has spread to in the body.
Blood tests may also be used to look for markers that indicate the presence of cancer.
What are the Final Stages of Metastatic Breast Cancer
The final stages of metastatic breast cancer are the most difficult to treat. The cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to kill. Treatment at this stage is often palliative, meaning it is designed to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, rather than cure the cancer.
There are three main types of treatment for metastatic breast cancer: chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Hormone therapy blocks hormones that help the cancer grow.
Targeted therapy attacks specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
The decision about which type of treatment to use depends on many factors, including the type of breast cancer, where it has spread, and a person’s overall health. Clinical trials testing new treatments are also an option for some people with metastatic breast cancer.
No matter what type of treatment is used, managing side effects is an important part of care. Side effects can be different for each person and may change over time. It’s important to talk with your healthcare team about any side effects you experience so they can be managed effectively.
Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer in Bones
When breast cancer spreads to the bones, it’s called metastatic breast cancer (MBC). MBC is different from early-stage and locally advanced breast cancer because it has spread from its original location in the breast to other parts of the body. Metastasis is a complex process that happens in several stages.
Most people with MBC have no symptoms in the early stages of bone metastasis. As the disease progresses, you may start to experience bone pain, which is the most common symptom associated with this condition. The pain is usually a dull ache that gets worse with activity and improves with rest.
You may also experience other symptoms such as:
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Anemia (low blood counts)
If MBC has spread to your brain, you may also experience:
• Headaches
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Nausea or vomiting
• Double vision or blurred vision
These symptoms can be caused by other conditions, so it’s important to see your doctor if you’re experiencing any of them. They can perform tests to determine whether or not you have MBC.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Survival Rate by Age
The metastatic breast cancer survival rate by age is an important statistic to consider when making treatment decisions. Metastatic breast cancer is a serious and life-threatening diagnosis, but with advances in treatment options, many people are able to live long and productive lives. The average five-year survival rate for women of all ages diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer is 22 percent.
However, this number varies significantly by age group. For women under the age of 40, the five-year survival rate jumps to 39 percent. For women between the ages of 40 and 49, the five-year survival rate is 26 percent.
And for women over the age of 50, the five-year survival rate decreases to 17 percent. While these numbers may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that they are averages and that many people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer live much longer than five years post-diagnosis. With early detection and aggressive treatment, your prognosis can be greatly improved no matter your age.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical professional for more information on treatment options and next steps.
Is Metastatic Breast Cancer Curable
There are different types of breast cancer, but the most common is metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic means that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Even if the original tumor in the breast is removed, cancer cells can remain in other parts of the body and continue to grow.
This is why metastatic breast cancer is often difficult to treat and considered incurable.
However, there have been some cases where people with metastatic breast cancer have gone into remission. While there is no guarantee that this will happen, it does provide some hope for those who are battling this disease.
Treatment options for metastatic breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies.
Living 30 Years With Metastatic Breast Cancer
In 1988, Nancy Stordahl was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a difficult time for her and her family, but they all pulled together and Nancy began treatment. Unfortunately, the cancer spread to her bones and liver, and she was told that she had metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
Since then, Nancy has lived with MBC for over 30 years. In that time, she has seen many changes in the way that MBC is treated. When she was first diagnosed, there were few options available and little hope for those living with MBC.
But thanks to advances in research and treatment, people like Nancy are now living longer and healthier lives with MBC.
Nancy is a strong advocate for others living with MBC. She is passionate about raising awareness of this disease and its impact on patients and their families.
She knows first-hand how important it is to have support from others who understand what you’re going through.
If you’re living with MBC, know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you navigate your journey.
And there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Stage 4 Breast Cancer Symptoms
It’s not easy to cope with a breast cancer diagnosis at any stage. But if you’re diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, it can be especially difficult to manage both the physical and emotional symptoms of the disease.
Stage 4 breast cancer is the most advanced stage of the disease.
It means that the cancer has spread beyond your breast tissue and into other parts of your body, such as your bones, liver, or lungs. This makes treatment more difficult and can lead to a shorter life expectancy.
However, it’s important to remember that every person is different.
Some people with stage 4 breast cancer live for many years after their diagnosis. And although there is no cure for stage 4 breast cancer, treatments can help you manage your symptoms and extend your life.
If you’re living with stage 4 breast cancer, you may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms.
These can include:
• Fatigue: Cancer and cancer treatments can take a toll on your energy levels. Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy and can also be caused by anemia (low red blood cell count), pain, insomnia, or depression.
• Pain: Breast cancer tumors can grow large enough to press on nerves or bones, causing pain. Metastatic tumors in other parts of your body can also cause pain. Pain may worsen with certain activities or at certain times of day (such as at night).
• Swelling: If your lymph nodes are affected by metastatic tumor growth, they may become enlarged and cause swelling in your arms or legs (called lymphedema).
• Shortness of breath: Cancer in the lungs can cause shortness of breath due to decreased lung function or obstruction of airways by tumors..
Conclusion
Metastatic breast cancer is a type of cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. It is the most advanced stage of breast cancer and can be difficult to treat. Metastatic breast cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages, but it can eventually lead to problems such as pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
Treatment for metastatic breast cancer often includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.