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Metastatic Breast Cancer

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.

Illustration of half of upper female body displaying a how the cancer starts to spread to other parts of the body with arrows

How does cancer spread, or metastasize?

The spread of cancer usually happens through one or more of the following steps:

  • Cancer cells invade nearby healthy cells. When the healthy cell is taken over, it too can replicate more abnormal cells.
  • Cancer cells penetrate into the circulatory or lymph system. Cancer cells travel through the walls of nearby lymph vessels or blood vessels.
  • Migration through circulation. Cancer cells are carried by the lymph system and the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
  • Cancer cells lodge in capillaries. Cancer cells stop moving as they are lodged in capillaries at a distant location and divide and migrate into the surrounding tissue.
  • 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.

Illustration of female upper body highlighting the brain, bones, lungs and liver areas

Symptoms of metastasis may vary depending on where the cancer has spread to.

Here are some symptoms that vary by locations commonly associated with breast cancer metastasis.

Metastasis in the bone may cause:

  • Severe, progressive pain
  • Swelling
  • Bones that are more easily fractured or broken

Metastasis to the brain may cause:

  • Persistent, progressively 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 enzymes in the liver
  • Abdominal 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.

If you notice these symptoms, be sure you talk with your physician.  They could be important for getting the treatment you need.

Materials on this page courtesy of National Cancer Institute

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