Where Does Breast Cancer Spread?

Less common areas breast cancer may spread to ,         

Breast cancer metastasis isn’t just limited to the sites we’ve listed above. Breast cancer can also spread to other areas of the body, although this is much less common. Some examples include trusted source of  the female reproductive tract, like the ovaries, cervix, and endometrium  digestive tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, and colon     

• pancreas     
• kidneys   
• thyroid          
• eye        

What are the symptoms of metastatic breast cancer?         

As mentioned earlier, not everyone with metastatic breast cancer experiences symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can vary and depend on the location of the metastasis and its severity. Let’s look at the symptoms for each common metastatic site now.    

Bone metastasis symptoms   

Metastasis to the bones may cause:

• severe bone pain   
• bones that are more brittle and can break easily   
• spinal cord compression, which can lead to:   
• pain in your back or neck   
• weakness or numbness in a particular area     
• trouble urinating or having a bowel movement    
• low blood cell counts, which can cause symptoms like:   
• anemia   
• easy bruising or bleeding      

frequent infections   

As bone tissue continues to be damaged, calcium can be released into the blood, leading to a condition called hyper-calcemia, which causes symptoms like:    

• fatigue   
• nausea    
• increased thirst    
• constipation    
• irritability    
• confusion   
• Lung metastasis symptoms    

Metastasis to the lungs may cause:   

• chronic cough    
• chest pain   
• fatigue   
• shortness of breath    
• wheezing   
• coughing up blood    
• Liver metastasis symptoms    

Metastasis to the liver may cause:   

• jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes    
• upper right abdominal pain    
• bloating    
• itchiness   
• loss of appetite    
• nausea or vomiting    
• fatigue   
• Brain metastasis symptoms   

Metastasis to the brain may cause:    

• headache   
• nausea or vomiting    
• weakness or numbness in your limbs   
• seizures   
• changes in personality or behavior   
• trouble with memory   
• slurred speech or difficulty speaking   
• difficulties with balance or walking   
• changes in vision like blurry vision or vision loss   
• Symptoms that may accompany any form of metastatic breast cancer    

Nonspecific symptoms that may accompany any form of metastatic breast cancer include:   

• fatigue    
• a general feeling of wellness (malaise)   
• loss of appetite   
• unintentional weight loss    
• fever   

Some symptoms may not be caused by the cancer itself, but by the treatment that you’re undergoing. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, speak with your doctor. They may be able to recommend a therapy to alleviate some symptoms.    

What causes metastatic breast  cancer, Who’s at risk?   

Metastatic breast cancer happens when cancer cells break away from the original tumor site. These cells then make their way to other parts of the body via the circulatory or lymphatic systems.   

Once the cells settle somewhere in the body, they have the potential to form a new tumor. This can happen quickly or develop years after initial treatment.    

Anyone that’s been diagnosed with breast cancer can go on to develop metastatic breast cancer. Generally speaking, some of the factors below may increase the likelihood of breast cancer metastasizing:    

having a more aggressive type of breast cancer like triple-negative breast cancer  

being diagnosed with breast cancer that’s at a later stage, such as cancer that’s already spread to nearby lymph nodes or the chest wall  

having a cancer that’s growing quickly   

How is metastatic breast cancer diagnosed?   

Several tests are used to confirm a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. These include:    

Blood tests: In these tests, a sample of blood is taken from a vein in your arm. Some common blood tests that may be ordered include a complete blood count and a metabolic panel. Your doctor may also order tests for breast cancer tumor markers.   

Imaging tests: Imaging tests allow your doctor to see what’s going on inside your body and check for the presence of suspicious areas. Some examples of imaging tests that may be used include:    

• X-rays     
• ultrasound     
• computed tomography (CT) scan     
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan    
• positron emission tomography (PET) scan   
• bone scan     

Tissue biopsy: If imaging shows a suspicious area, your doctor will take a biopsy from that area to be analyzed in a laboratory. The results of a tissue biopsy can confirm a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer.     

The tests that are used as a part of the diagnostic process can vary based on where the cancer has spread to. For example, imaging like a bone scan would be used to check for a bone metastasis while a head MRI would be used to check for a brain metastasis.    

Similarly, additional tests may be used as well, based off of the site. An example of this is bronchoscopy to check for signs of cancer in the airways when a lung metastasis is suspected.     

How is metastatic breast cancer treated?   

There isn’t a cure for metastatic breast cancer. However, there are treatments aimed at preventing further progression, reducing symptoms, and improving the quality and length of life.    

Treatments are highly individualized. What’s recommended can depend on things like:     

• the location and extent of the metastasis    
• whether the cancer is positive for hormone receptors (HR) or HER2    
• whether certain genetic changes are present    
• which treatments you’ve previously received    
• your age and overall health    
• your personal preference    
• Potential treatment options for metastatic breast cancer include:    

Hormone therapy   

If the cancer is positive for hormone receptors (estrogen or progesterone), hormone therapy may be recommended. This prevents hormones from acting on these cancer cells, thereby slowing or stopping their growth.     

Drugs that are used for hormone therapy include tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors like:      

• a n a s t r o z o l  e.       
• e x e m e s t a n e.       
• l e t r o z  o l  e .     

Sometimes, hormone therapy will also be combined with a targeted therapy drug.

Chemotherapy    

If the cancer is negative for hormone receptors or hasn’t responded to hormone therapy, chemotherapy may be recommended. This treatment uses drugs that kill cancer cells or slow their growth.     

Chemotherapy can also be combined with other treatments, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy. For example, if the cancer is HR-negative and HER2-positive, chemotherapy may be combined with targeted therapy drugs that target the HER2 protein.      

Targeted therapy.              

Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific proteins that are on or inside of   the breast cancer cells. There are many types of targeted therapy drugs:           

Additionally, the drug  may be used for triple-negative breast cancer. This treatment is a targeted therapy drug that’s linked to a chemotherapy drug.          

Immunotherapy.              

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system respond to cancer cells. An example of immunotherapy for metastatic breast cancer is   p e m b r o l i z u m a b.        

Researchers continue to work on new immunotherapy approaches. For example, in February 2022, a clinical trial of a personalized immunotherapy treatment for metastatic breast cancer yielded promising resultsTrusted Source. This treatment harnesses the power of tumor-fighting cells isolated from trial participants to help shrink tumors.     

Other treatments    

Generally speaking, the main treatments for metastatic breast cancer are the systemic treatments listed above. A systemic treatment impacts the entire body, as opposed to one location. However, other treatments can also be used for metastatic breast cancer as well.     

For example, radiation therapy or surgery may be used to help with cancer that’s spread to specific areas. These include the:     

• bones   
• brain   
• spinal cord   
• chest wall   

Bone-building drugs called bisphosphonates can also be used to reduce bone pain and increase bone strength in people with bone metastasis.   

Deciding which treatment is best for you   

Deciding on the best treatment option for you requires both information and careful consideration. Although you should work with your doctor to understand your options, the choice is ultimately up to you. As you consider the possibilities, keep these tips in mind:       

Don’t rush into anything: Take time to consider your choices, and get a second opinion if necessary.    

Bring someone with you to your doctor appointments: Take notes or ask your doctor if you can record your visit. This can help ensure that you don’t forget anything that’s discussed.     

Ask questions: Have your doctor explain all of the potential benefits, risks, and side effects associated with each treatment.   

Consider a clinical trial: Find out if there are any clinical trials for which you may be eligible. There may be an experimental treatment option available for your specific cancer.   

Although receiving a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, there are many treatment options that can help reduce symptoms and prolong life expectancy. Though there isn’t a current curative treatment, some women will live for many years with metastatic breast cancer.     

Research on how to stop cancer cell growth, boost the immune system, and disrupt cancer metastasis is ongoing, and new treatment options may be available in the future.    

Can you prevent or lower your risk for metastatic breast cancer?      

There isn’t a definitive way to guarantee that your cancer won’t recur or metastasize after treatment, but there are steps you can take that may reduce your risk. These steps include:        

Managing weight: If you have obesity or are overweight, talk to your doctor about healthy ways to manage your weight. A 2017 research review Trusted Source notes that increases in inflammation associated with obesity may create an environment that promotes cancer growth and metastasis.    

Staying active: Keeping active is great for your overall health. It may also reduce recurrence and metastasis, perhaps due to the beneficial effect that physical activity can have on the immune system.      

Eating a balanced diet: While we’re still learning more about diet and breast cancer, a 2017 research review Trusted Source suggests that excess intake of fats and carbs may impact the development of metastatic breast cancer. To eat a balanced diet, aim to do the following:      

• eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, poultry, and fish  
• lower your consumption of red or processed meats   
• avoid sugar-laden foods   

Cutting back on alcohol: Drink in moderation or not at all. Moderate drinking is one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Alcohol is a risk factor for developing breast cancer, but its impact on cancer metastasis or recurrence is still unclearTrusted Source.    

Takeaway    

Metastatic cancer happens when cancer spreads to more distant areas of the body. The most common locations that breast cancer metastasizes to are the bones, lungs, liver, and brain.      

The symptoms of metastatic breast cancer depend on which part of the body is affected. A doctor will use blood tests, imaging tests, and tissue biopsies to help make a diagnosis.    

While metastatic breast cancer doesn’t currently have a cure, there are treatments available that can help to reduce the cancer and improve quality of life. Additionally, researchers continue to develop newer, more effective treatments for metastatic breast cancer.