Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is obviously difficult, but for individuals who have the disease that has spread to other parts of the body, the journey can be quite unexpected. This severe form of breast cancer, also known as advanced or Stage IV, spreads to other important organs in the body beyond the boundaries of the breast tissue. Let us explore the nuances of metastatic breast cancer in this blog post, including its frequency, symptoms, and causes as well as the continuous efforts in medical research to improve available treatments.
Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer
Breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body is known as metastatic breast cancer, and it is an extremely dangerous disease. In contrast to previous phases, medical professionals recognize that a cure might be unattainable, but advances in science bring hope for a better quality of life and a longer survival time.
Is Metastatic Breast Cancer Common?
Although diagnoses of breast cancer are regrettably common, not all instances evolve to an advanced stage. 20% to 30% of women and AFAB individuals who have early-stage disease go on to develop metastatic breast cancer, according to NCI data. The figures highlight how crucial it is to carry out further research in order to comprehend the elements influencing the course of the disease and find treatments that can slow it down.
Signs and Causes
It is important to identify the signs of metastatic breast cancer in order to take prompt action. Depending on where the cancer has progressed, people with metastatic disease may have symptoms in addition to the usual ones related to breast cancer.
★ Bones
Numbness, muscle weakness, higher risk of fractures, and sudden joint or bone discomfort.
★ Brain
Seizures, nausea, headaches that get worse, altered eyesight, and behavioural problems.
★ Lungs
Recurrent chest infections, breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, and chest pain.
★ Liver
Skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, and jaundice.
For the purpose of making well-informed treatment decisions, it is vital to comprehend the causes of metastatic breast cancer. Metastasis, which denotes the return of cancer cells following initial treatment, is most commonly experienced as a recurrence of cancer. Cancer cells may continue to exist in the body even after a tumour is surgically removed, growing more powerful with time. These hardy cells use the circulation and lymphatic system as means of transportation, settling in far-off places and growing into new tumours.
Prognosis and Treatment Plans:
Considering the systemic nature of metastatic breast cancer, management calls for an all-encompassing strategy. Although there is no guarantee of a cure, there are a number of treatment methods that try to manage the illness, improve quality of life, and increase survival time. Among the array of therapies used include immunotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
The extent of metastasis, the tumour's response to treatment, and general health are factors that affect the prognosis of metastatic breast cancer. For individuals with this advanced stage of breast cancer, ongoing research projects continuously improve treatment approaches.
Dr. Pragati Singhal
