Skip to content

Free Online Training for Breast Health and Cancer Awareness!

Register Now
logo
  • About Breast Cancer
  • Breast Cancer in Pakistan
  • Be A Volunteer
  • About BeBreast Aware
Menu
  • About Breast Cancer
  • Breast Cancer in Pakistan
  • Be A Volunteer
  • About BeBreast Aware
Search
You are here:
  1. Home
  2. Types of Breast Cancer
  3. Metastatic Breast Cancer
  • What is Breast Cancer?
    • Breast Anatomy
    • What is Cancer?
    • Causes of Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer Facts
    • Breast Tumors
    • Male Breast Cancer
    • Growth of Cancer
    • Risk Factors
  • Breast Cancer Genetics
    • What to expect if you are genetically negative for breast cancer?
    • What to do if you are genetically positive for breast cancer?
    • The Genetics of Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Overview
  • Early Detection
    • Mammogram
    • Use of Diagnostic Ultrasound in Early Diagnosis
    • Healthy Habits
    • Clinical Breast Exam
    • Breast Self-Exam
    • Breast Pain
    • Breast Cyst
    • Breast Cancer Symptoms and Signs
  • Diagnosis
    • Breast Biopsy
    • Diagnostic Mammogram
    • Lab Tests
    • MRI
    • Ultrasound
    • Waiting For Results
  • Stages
    • Stages of Breast Cancer
    • Stages 0 & 1 Breast Cancer
    • Stage 2 (II) And Stage 2A (IIA) Breast Cancer
    • Stage 3 (III) A, B, And C Breast Cancer
    • Stage 4 (IV) Breast Cancer
  • Types of Breast Cancer
    • Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
    • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
    • Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
    • Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)
    • Triple Negative Breast Cancer
    • Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
    • Metastatic Breast Cancer
    • Metastatic Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
    • Other Types
  • Treatment
    • Choosing Your Doctor
    • Surgery
      • Lymph Node Dissection and Lymphedema
      • Breast Reconstruction
      • Lumpectomy
      • Mastectomy
    • Chemotherapy 
    • Radiation Therapy
    • Hormone Therapy
    • Targeted Therapy
    • Trials for Metastatic Breast Cancer
    • Standard Treatment vs Clinical Trials
    • Physical Activity, Wellness & Nutrition
    • Breast Cancer Survivors’ Bone Health Guide in 2022
  • Breast Cancer Myths
    • Myth 1: Breast cancer can be caused by a breast injury
    • Myth 2: A mammogram can cause or spread breast cancer.
    • Myth 3: All types of breast cancer are the same.
    • Myth 4: Deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer.
    • Myth 5: Underwire bras can cause breast cancer.
    • Myth 6: Breast cancer is not contagious.
    • Myth 7: Women with larger breasts are more likely to develop breast cancer.
    • Myth 8: Breast cancer only affects women in their forties and fifties.
    • Myth No. 9: Breast pain is a sure sign of breast cancer.
    • Myth 10: Keeping your phone in your bra can lead to breast cancer.
    • Myth 11: Sugar consumption causes breast cancer.
    • Myth 12: Discovering a lump in your breast indicates breast cancer.
    • Myth 13: If the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations are found in your DNA, you will undoubtedly develop breast cancer.
    • Myth 14: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
    • Myth 15: IVF increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
    • Myth 16: Only women are affected by breast cancer.
  • FAQs
    • Can physical activity lower the risk of breast cancer?
    • Can a healthy diet aid in preventing breast cancer?
    • Is it true that smoking causes breast cancer?
    • Can drinking alcohol increase your chances of getting breast cancer?
    • Is there an association between oral contraception and breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
    • How often should I perform a breast self-examination (BSE)?
    • Is having a family history of breast cancer a risk factor?
    • Are mammograms uncomfortable?
    • How does menstrual and reproductive history affect breast cancer risk?
    • How frequently should I visit my doctor for a check-up?
    • What effect does stress have on breast cancer?
    • What famous people have or have had breast cancer?
    • Where can I find a support group for breast cancer?
    • Can breastfeeding minimize the risk of having breast cancer?
    • Is dairy (milk) associated with an increased risk of breast cancer?
    • Is hair dye associated with an increased risk of breast cancer?
  • What is Breast Cancer?
    • Breast Anatomy
    • What is Cancer?
    • Causes of Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer Facts
    • Breast Tumors
    • Male Breast Cancer
    • Growth of Cancer
    • Risk Factors
  • Breast Cancer Genetics
    • What to expect if you are genetically negative for breast cancer?
    • What to do if you are genetically positive for breast cancer?
    • The Genetics of Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Overview
  • Early Detection
    • Mammogram
    • Use of Diagnostic Ultrasound in Early Diagnosis
    • Healthy Habits
    • Clinical Breast Exam
    • Breast Self-Exam
    • Breast Pain
    • Breast Cyst
    • Breast Cancer Symptoms and Signs
  • Diagnosis
    • Breast Biopsy
    • Diagnostic Mammogram
    • Lab Tests
    • MRI
    • Ultrasound
    • Waiting For Results
  • Stages
    • Stages of Breast Cancer
    • Stages 0 & 1 Breast Cancer
    • Stage 2 (II) And Stage 2A (IIA) Breast Cancer
    • Stage 3 (III) A, B, And C Breast Cancer
    • Stage 4 (IV) Breast Cancer
  • Types of Breast Cancer
    • Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
    • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
    • Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
    • Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)
    • Triple Negative Breast Cancer
    • Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
    • Metastatic Breast Cancer
    • Metastatic Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
    • Other Types
  • Treatment
    • Choosing Your Doctor
    • Surgery
      • Lymph Node Dissection and Lymphedema
      • Breast Reconstruction
      • Lumpectomy
      • Mastectomy
    • Chemotherapy 
    • Radiation Therapy
    • Hormone Therapy
    • Targeted Therapy
    • Trials for Metastatic Breast Cancer
    • Standard Treatment vs Clinical Trials
    • Physical Activity, Wellness & Nutrition
    • Breast Cancer Survivors’ Bone Health Guide in 2022
  • Breast Cancer Myths
    • Myth 1: Breast cancer can be caused by a breast injury
    • Myth 2: A mammogram can cause or spread breast cancer.
    • Myth 3: All types of breast cancer are the same.
    • Myth 4: Deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer.
    • Myth 5: Underwire bras can cause breast cancer.
    • Myth 6: Breast cancer is not contagious.
    • Myth 7: Women with larger breasts are more likely to develop breast cancer.
    • Myth 8: Breast cancer only affects women in their forties and fifties.
    • Myth No. 9: Breast pain is a sure sign of breast cancer.
    • Myth 10: Keeping your phone in your bra can lead to breast cancer.
    • Myth 11: Sugar consumption causes breast cancer.
    • Myth 12: Discovering a lump in your breast indicates breast cancer.
    • Myth 13: If the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations are found in your DNA, you will undoubtedly develop breast cancer.
    • Myth 14: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
    • Myth 15: IVF increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
    • Myth 16: Only women are affected by breast cancer.
  • FAQs
    • Can physical activity lower the risk of breast cancer?
    • Can a healthy diet aid in preventing breast cancer?
    • Is it true that smoking causes breast cancer?
    • Can drinking alcohol increase your chances of getting breast cancer?
    • Is there an association between oral contraception and breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
    • How often should I perform a breast self-examination (BSE)?
    • Is having a family history of breast cancer a risk factor?
    • Are mammograms uncomfortable?
    • How does menstrual and reproductive history affect breast cancer risk?
    • How frequently should I visit my doctor for a check-up?
    • What effect does stress have on breast cancer?
    • What famous people have or have had breast cancer?
    • Where can I find a support group for breast cancer?
    • Can breastfeeding minimize the risk of having breast cancer?
    • Is dairy (milk) associated with an increased risk of breast cancer?
    • Is hair dye associated with an increased risk of breast cancer?

Metastatic Breast Cancer

What Is the Definition of Metastatic Breast Cancer?

Stage 4 breast cancer is also known as metastatic breast cancer. Cancer has spread throughout the body. Typically, this includes the lungs, liver, bones, and brain.

 

How does cancer spread, also known as metastasis?

Cancer usually spreads through one or more of the following steps:

  • Cancer cells infiltrate healthy cells nearby. When a healthy cell is hijacked, it can also replicate more abnormal cells.
  • Cancer cells enter the circulatory or lymphatic systems. Cancer cells spread through the walls of nearby lymph and blood vessels.
  • Circulation facilitates migration. The lymph system and the bloodstream transport cancer cells to other body parts.
  • Cancer cells accumulate in capillaries. Cancer cells stop moving when lodged in distant capillaries and divide and migrate into the surrounding tissue.
  • New small tumours appear. At the new location, cancer cells form small tumours (called micrometastases.)

 

What Are the Signs of Metastatic Breast Cancer?

Your symptoms may vary depending on how far your breast cancer has spread and what type of tissue the new cancer growth has invaded. Your doctor should be informed of all symptoms.

Metastasis symptoms can vary depending on where cancer has spread.

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

Metastasis in the bone can result in the following:

  • Pain that worsens over time
  • Swelling
  • Bones that are more prone to fracture or breakage

Brain metastasis may result in the following:

  • Persistent, progressively worsening headache or head pressure
  • Disturbances in vision
  • Seizures
  • nauseousness or vomiting
  • Changes in behaviour or personality

Metastasis to the liver may result in the following:

  • Jaundice
  • Rashes or itchy skin
  • An abnormally high level of enzymes in the liver
  • Pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting

Metastasis in the lungs may result in the following:

  • Chronic coughing or inability to fully exhale
  • Atypical chest X-ray
  • Chest ache
  • Other nonspecific systemic symptoms of metastatic breast cancer include fatigue, weight loss, and poor appetite, which can also be caused by medication or depression.

If you notice any of these mentioned symptoms, consult your doctor right away. They could be crucial in getting you the treatment you require.

The National Cancer Institute provided the materials on this page.

logo

Site Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact

Suopport

  • Be A Volunteer
  • Join Us As Consultant

Sign Up for Email Updates

JOIN THE CAUSE:

1st floor Al-Murtaza Hospital Kacha Shahi Road, Sadiq Abad

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Sitemap
  • Cookies Policy

©2023 Be Breast Aware

Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Dribbble
Go to Top
Language

Disclaimer

You must be at least 18 years or older to visit this website

This website is intended solely for educational purposes and is aimed at adult females above the age of 18. The information provided is not intended to replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. The organization takes no responsibility for any misuse of any information available on this website or any views expressed by consultants or volunteers related to this website, social media platforms or organizational setup.