Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC)
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also referred to as stage IV breast cancer, is an advanced stage of breast cancer where the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body outside of the breast area.
What Happens in Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Metastatic means that the cancer has spread to form metastatic tumors at distant sites. This is different from localized early stage breast cancers that have not yet metastasized.
In MBC, breast cancer cells break away from the original tumor site and travel through the body via the bloodstream or lymph system, forming new tumors in places like the bones, liver, lungs or brain.
What Are the Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Some common signs and symptoms of MBC include:
- New lumps or masses detected in parts of the body besides the breast
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm, above the collar bone or in the neck
- Shortness of breath, persistent cough or difficulty breathing
- Severe headaches, seizures or dizziness
- Yellow skin/eyes from liver problems (jaundice)
- Bone fractures, pain or weakness
- Extreme fatigue
- Numbness or paralysis on one side of the body
What Causes Metastatic Breast Cancer to Develop?
Breast cancer metastasizes when cells mutate and grow out of control, developing the ability to invade blood vessels or lymph channels. They can then travel and form new colonies elsewhere.
Researchers don't fully understand why some people develop metastases earlier or why they can turn up even decades after an early breast cancer.
Getting an Accurate Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Who Gets Tested for Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Many people first diagnosed with early stage breast cancer will receive regular follow-up monitoring with bloodwork, annual mammograms, or other scans to check for any recurrence or spread of cancer cells.
If suspicious symptoms arise or screening tests come back with alarming results, your doctor will typically order further tests like biopsies, bone scans, CT scans or PET scans to investigate whether metastases are present.
Understanding Your Metastatic Breast Cancer Test Results
Key things to know in making a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis include:
- Biopsy: Samples of suspicious tissues are examined for cancerous cells
- Blood Tests: Look for tumor markers associated with metastases
- Bone Scan: Hotspots may indicate metastases in bone tissue
- CT Scan: Cross section x-rays check organs and lymph nodes for tumors
- PET Scan: Glucose uptake mapping looks for spreading cancer cells
- MRI: Magnetic imaging helps detect brain or spinal metastases
Coping with an MBC Diagnosis
Being told your breast cancer has metastasized to advanced, stage IV disease can be an emotional shock. Having supportive friends and family around you makes a big difference.
Talk to your medical team about available resources in your community. Connecting with others going through similar experiences can help greatly.
Treatment Options for Metastatic Breast Cancer
Understanding Your MBC Treatment Plan Goals
While early stage breast cancer can often be treated with curative intent, treating stage IV metastatic disease focuses more on:
- Controlling and slowing cancer growth
- Relieving painful symptoms
- Minimizing treatment side effects
- Prolonging and maintaining quality of life
Treatment plans are tailored to each patient's unique metastatic sites, test results, symptoms, and needs.
Common MBC Medications and Therapies
Some of the medical treatments used to manage metastatic breast cancer include:
- Chemotherapy: Cytotoxic drugs that kill dividing cancer cells
- Hormonal Therapy: Blocks estrogen or suppresses ovaries
- Targeted Therapies: Treats cancer cells with specific mutations
- Immunotherapies: Boosts the body's own immune defenses
- Radiation Therapy: Shrinks tumors or reduces cancer pain
- Surgery: Removes problematic metastasis sites
- Bone Strengthening Drugs: Reduces risk of fractures
Handling Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects
It's important to have open conversations with your care team about any side effects or symptoms you experience so they can make adjustments to minimize impacts on your quality of life.
Palliative medicines help control issues like pain, nausea, bone damage, breathing troubles, fluid build-ups, infections, blood clots, anxiety, depression and fatigue.
Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Tracking Your Metastatic Breast Cancer Symptoms
Keep notes detailing any symptoms you feel between appointments. Important things to document can include:
- New areas of pain or physical discomfort
- Neurological changes like numbness, tingling, or memory issues
- Digestive problems - nausea, vomiting, appetite changes
- Breathing difficulties or worsened fatigue
- Emotional impacts - mood changes, depression, fear, grief
Alert your medical team about anything concerning in between scans so they can determine if tests or treatment adjustments are required.
Building Your Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Network
In addition to professional medical care, don't underestimate the importance of emotional support from trusted friends, family members and support communities.
Online forums and in-person support groups allow you to connect with others going through analogous experiences in managing metastatic disease.
Therapists, social workers and palliative care specialists can also help you process challenging news, make empowering decisions, or handle psychological impacts.
Incorporating Self-Care and Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Making self-care, stress reduction, mental health, proper nutrition, physical activity and sleep priorities can help enhance your overall wellbeing.
While outcomes vary widely for metastatic breast cancer patients depending on many factors, taking good care of yourself improves quality of life in the present moment.
Discuss any intended lifestyle changes with your care team, but don't forget the power of self-love and living meaningfully right now.
FAQs
What is the difference between early stage breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer?
Early stage cancer is contained in the breast area vs metastatic breast cancer has advanced to stage IV and spread to distant sites in the body like the bones, liver, lungs or brain.
What tests diagnose metastatic breast cancer?
Biopsies, blood tests for tumor markers, bone/CT/PET scans, and MRIs help detect metastases. Your doctor will order appropriate tests based on concerning symptoms.
What is the most common metastatic site for breast cancer?
The most common site is the bone, with nearly 70% of those with stage IV breast cancer having bone metastases. Lungs, liver, and brain are other common areas.
Can metastatic breast cancer be cured?
There is currently no cure for stage IV metastatic breast cancer. But it can be managed long-term in many cases with treatments focused on slowing growth and maintaining quality of life.
What helps manage side effects of metastatic breast cancer treatment?
Discuss any treatment side effects with your medical team so they can adjust therapies or provide palliative medicines to help control issues like pain, nausea, infections, anxiety, fatigue, etc.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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