Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer for women in the U.S., and the American Cancer Society estimates that about 310,700 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women this year. When breast cancer spreads to other areas of the body, it becomes metastatic, or stage IV breast cancer.

What Is Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer occurs when the cancer has spread (or metastasized) to other areas of the body. This happens because the cancerous cells travel either through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

The most common places breast cancer metastasizes include bones, lymph nodes, lungs, the liver or the brain. This is considered a late-stage form of breast cancer, as the cancer becomes considerably more serious when it’s no longer localized to the breast tissue.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, about 168,000 women in the U.S. are living with metastatic breast cancer. About one-third of those women have lived with the disease for five years or more, with some living for 10 years or longer.

Signs of Metastatic Breast Cancer

In some cases, symptoms of breast cancer spreading can be difficult to detect. Liver metastases typically don’t manifest in any symptoms, but when they do, symptoms can include pain in the right abdomen, a decrease in appetite, general weakness or yellowing of the eyes and skin.

In the lungs, symptoms can include shortness of breath and/or a lingering cough. If breast cancer has spread to the bones, this can result in severe bone pain or fractures, and metastases to the brain may include headaches, numbness, nausea or changes to speech, balance or vision.

Treatment

Once breast cancer has spread to other areas of the body, it’s impossible for them to all be removed. Metastatic breast cancer is considered incurable.

However, a patient’s treatment course may focus on shrinking tumors, halting their growth and maximizing your quality of life. Your oncologist may recommend chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy or immunotherapy, or some combination of them. You may also want to consult with your physician and health system about clinical trials that may be right for you.

Prevention

Because metastatic breast cancer is incurable, the best thing you can do if you do not currently have breast cancer is to get regular recommended screenings, try to maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active and limit tobacco or alcohol use.

If you notice a difference in how your breasts look or feel, talk to your doctor right away.

If you are looking for a primary care provider, Aultman Medical Group Primary Care has more than 80 providers ready to take care of you and your family. Many of our offices are accepting new patients – and more than likely, we have a location in your community.

Visit aultman.org/NewDoc to find a provider in your area who is accepting new patients, or call the new patient hotline at 330-433-1264 for assistance with scheduling your appointment.

Sources:
American Cancer Society
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Penn Medicine