Metastatic Breast Cancer
What Is Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Metastasis is the term used to describe the process of cancer spreading away from the original tumor and to other areas of the body. When this happens with a breast tumor, it’s called metastatic breast cancer. In most cases, this is the result of breast cancer coming back (recurring) after initial treatment. Systemic therapies, like chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, are often used after surgery to help ensure cancer cells throughout the body are destroyed, but residual cancer cells sometimes remain. When this happens, the cancer can recur and spread.Metastatic breast cancer can also be a person’s first diagnosis, though — meaning that by the time breast cancer is caught, it’s already spread to somewhere else in the body. This presentation is less common.Common Sites of Spreading (Metastasis)
The sites within the body that breast cancer most commonly spreads include the:
- Bones
- Liver
- Lungs
- Brain
Signs & Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer
The symptoms of metastatic breast cancer vary depending on where in the body the cancer has spread.
Bone Metastasis Symptoms
If breast cancer spreads to the bone it can cause:
- New, sudden bone pain
- Bone fractures
- Tingling and numbness
Liver Metastasis Symptoms
If breast cancer spreads to the liver, it usually doesn’t cause symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
Lung Metastasis Symptoms
If breast cancer spreads to the lungs, it usually doesn’t cause symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can include:
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Brain Metastasis Symptoms
If breast cancer spreads to the brain, it can cause:
- Headaches
- Vision issues
- New, unexplained confusion
How Is Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
If you notice symptoms of metastatic breast cancer, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests to diagnose and stage the cancer:
- Biopsy – collecting a tumor sample that a pathologist can review in closer detail under a microscope
- Blood tests – including a complete blood count (CBC) and serum chemistry tests, which, if abnormal, can suggest cancer has spread
- Bone scan – if spread from the breast to the bones is suspected
- Chest X-ray – if spread from the breast to the lungs is suspected
- CT scan – used to visualize whether breast cancer has spread to the lungs, liver or bones
In most cases, metastatic breast cancer is the result of cancer recurring after treatment. This can happen months after treatment completion or even years later. Sometimes, however, the initial breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t happen until the cancer has already metastasized, which is called de novo metastatic breast cancer. In addition to the tests above, diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound may be used to diagnose de novo metastatic breast cancer.
Treatment Options
Metastatic breast cancer is treatable, and newer therapies are available to manage it and help people live longer. The disease is not curable, however.
How metastatic breast cancer is treated depends on the type of breast cancer, where it has spread, overall health, tolerance to treatment and more. The aim is to control its spread, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
In rare cases, surgery may be used to remove the primary breast tumor or to address complications such as bone metastases that are causing pain or fractures. Other types of localized treatments may be used to address side effects of cancer in the liver or other organs.
Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Living with metastatic breast cancer can be challenging, but there are ways to help manage your condition and maintain the best possible quality of life. From symptom management and shared decision-making in your treatment plan to self-care and emotional support, our care teams are here for you.
Breast Cancer Support Groups
At Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer, our breast cancer support groups help women and men at any stage of diagnosis and treatment understand how breast cancer affects them not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Through information, empowerment and peer support, our hope is that no one faces breast cancer alone.
FAQs About Metastatic Breast Cancer
Is metastatic breast cancer curable?
How long can you live with metastatic breast cancer?
The average lifespan for people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can vary significantly and depends on factors such as the type of breast cancer, how the cancer responds to treatment, the individual's overall health and other factors, like lifestyle.
Outcomes are also influenced by a patient’s compliance with their care plan. It’s important to understand that, while you can’t change your diagnosis, you can influence breast cancer treatment. Following your doctor’s treatment guidance is paramount.
Lastly, advancements in cancer treatment have improved outcomes and prolonged survival for many patients with metastatic breast cancer. Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to explore new treatments and strategies for managing the disease, offering hope for improved outcomes and longer survival.
What causes metastatic breast cancer?
The exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood, but certain factors increase the risk of developing it, including being female, increasing age, family history of breast cancer, certain gene mutations (such as ones in BRCA1 and BRCA2) and more.
Metastatic breast cancer happens when cancerous cells develop in breast tissue and spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream — traveling to distant organs and tissues, where they can form new tumors.
Are there new studies or treatment options available?
Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to explore new treatments and strategies for managing metastatic breast cancer, offering hope for improved outcomes and longer survival. Through these studies, our patients get access to the most advanced treatments before they are widely available elsewhere.
Why Choose Houston Methodist as Your Cancer Care Provider
Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center is where innovation meets personalized treatment — offering compassionate, expert cancer care. Our breast cancer specialists employ some of the most advanced, cutting-edge techniques in the country.
At Houston Methodist, you're not just a patient — you're part of a family united in the fight against breast cancer. You can trust our team to provide top-tier medical care and unwavering support every step of the way.