When someone receives the news they have Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, it can be devastating. Most cancer, including breast cancer, is diagnosed and evaluated in stages, the higher the number; the less chance of beating the disease. Breast cancer is a life-threatening disease that targets both men and women but is more common in women. An oncologist who specializes in the treatment of cancer, will likely explain the next steps in treatment or recommend how the patient can get proper palliative care support.
Causes
Metastatic breast cancer means that the cancer cells that were once contained in a certain localized area, such as the breast, have returned and invaded nearby organs, lymph nodes or the blood stream. Breast cancer with metastases is generally a type of reoccurring cancer. This means that the patient once had a lower stage of breast cancer, was treated and the cancer went into remission. Breast cancer can reoccur at any time but generally does so within the first three to five years after the first treatment. Some people do not know they have cancer so it is not treated in its early stages. When it is found, it could have already spread to nearby organs or throughout the entire body. According to the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations, most Stage IV breast cancers with metastases have a grim 16 percent survival rate.
Signs and Symptoms
Aside of a new lump, growth of the original tumor or changes in the area where the cancer first originated, when cancer has spread, the symptoms may be more severe. When the cancer has reached Stage IV and spread to the bones, there could be chronic or severe bone and limb pain. If the lungs have advanced cancer cells or tumors present, shortness of breath, wheezing and congestion may be symptoms. Weight loss and trouble eating or digesting food could signify liver metastases. Headaches, seizures, extreme weakness and mental impairments could mean the cancer has invaded the brain tissue.
Diagnosis
Past cancer patients should receive routine well visits and examinations from their family doctor or oncologist as directed. For those who suspect their cancer has spread or that there may be a recurrence, their doctor may schedule testing to determine if the cancer has spread to areas, such as the bones, brain, liver, lungs or other areas. Common diagnostic tests include CT scans, X-Rays, mammograms, bone scans and MRI scans to determine and diagnose Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Various blood tests, including a tumor marker test, will help determine the severity of the recurrence or the extent of the metastatic cancer cells.
People at Risk
Every woman should have a mammogram after the age of 40, even if she has no prior history of breast cancer. Routine breast self-exams should be learned and performed by teenagers and all women to help with early detection. Men and women with a previous history of breast cancer or other cancers are at an increased risk for developing metastatic breast cancer. Women 25 and older who have had a mother or other immediate blood line family member die of breast cancer should be checked every six months to a year for breast cancer.
Treatment
There are some treatments available for Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Surgery may be utilized to remove the tumor. Intense chemotherapy and radiation treatments are also options. Potent drugs, including taxol, aromasin, tamoxifen and bisphonate drugs, may also be used to attack bone mets. These drugs and treatments are recommended if the patient's doctor feels she is strong enough to receive therapy and there is a chance the drugs will help the patient. For those who do not qualify for medicinal treatment, palliative therapy is the last option. Palliative care includes a hospice care team who will keep the patient comfortable during her last days and months of life.
