What Is Metastatic Breast Cancer?While nearly 96 percent of breast cancer patients who receive early detection and treatment still count themselves cancer-free after five years, some do not. In these cases, the cancer might return or become what’s called metastatic breast cancer. The occurrence of this is not a given for breast cancer patients, but it's a possibility that leaves many people quite frightened for years after their initial treatment. But, what is metastatic breast cancer? Unlike recurrent breast cancer that strikes in the same place as the original cells were found, metastatic breast cancer involves other parts of the body. In the case of breast cancer, the other parts of the body that might be impacted tend to follow specific trends. Parts of the body that might be impacted by metastatic breast cancer years after the original treatment include the chest, lymph nodes, bones, lungs, liver or brain. This can be a very frightening revelation for those who are told the cancer they had treated in the past has come back and struck new parts of the body. Hearing the initial diagnosis of breast cancer is bad enough, but finding it in places such as the bones or brain can be truly horrifying. While a diagnosis of cancer is never welcomed, there are some things to keep in focus about metastatic breast cancer. The fact is breast cancer is more likely to spread to other parts of the body than other cancers are likely to spread to the breasts or chest. Since this is the case, if a second bout of cancer pops up in the lungs, liver, brain or so on, it is generally breast cancer, which means it is likely to be more treatable. A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer does not mean the end of the world necessarily. There's no doubt a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer is not what a person wants to hear on a recheck, but it's important to remember it is not a hopeless situation. If the cancer is caught early enough, there are many treatment options available. These will range from surgery to radiation and chemotherapy or other options depending on the location and the severity. For those who have had treatments in the past and want to keep an eye out for metastatic breast cancer, it's important to follow doctors’ orders for rechecks and routine physicals. Any signs or symptoms that are unusual should be reported immediately to a doctor. While it's not necessarily 100 percent possible to prevent metastatic breast cancer, there are things people can do to increase their chances for not developing it. First and foremost is following doctor's orders with the original breast cancer. It's important to go for rechecks, follow through on radiation and/or chemo and take steps to create an overall healthy lifestyle if they haven't already been taken. No one wants to hear a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, but the truth is if it's caught early enough, it is possible to fight this battle and win it. Detection at an early stage is key, so routine medical exams and a mindful eye toward any symptoms are recommended for those who have undergone successful breast cancer treatments in the past. |
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