Breast cancer development includes a series of steps that transform normal breast cells into aggressive and metastatic cancer cells. Most breast tumors start as a lump or thickening of the breast tissue that, if left to develop, eventually gain invasive properties and travel into other tissues in the body. This is called metastasis. Metastatic breast cancer, the most advanced stage of breast cancer, can develop due to a number of factors.
Genetic Mutations
At the heart of metastatic breast cancer development are genetic mutations. As breast cells become cancerous, they accumulate a number of mutations that allow cells to divide out of control, proliferate indefinitely and evade cellular death. As the cells continue to divide out of control, they develop still more genetic mutations that eventually allow the cells to migrate into other tissues during metastasis. Some breast cancer patients, such as those with a family history of breast cancer, may inherit genetic mutations that facilitate breast cancer development and help cause metastatic breast cancer. Genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been identified as linked to a markedly increased risk of developing cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Patients with a family history of breast cancer may undergo genetic testing and regular screening to help protect against the development of metastatic breast cancer.
Undetected Breast Tumors
Poor breast cancer screening can also help cause metastatic breast cancer. If a breast lump is undetected for a long time, cells may become metastatic before the cancer is detected. All women should perform monthly breast self-examinations to detect any changes in the consistency of the breasts, as well as any changes to the skin overlying the breast or any changes to the nipple. In addition, women should attend regular checkups to undergo a clinical physical examination that allows a doctor to detect abnormalities in the breast. The National Cancer Institute also recommends that women older than 40 undergo a mammogram, an X-ray of the breast, every one to two years, and that women with a family history of breast cancer begin receiving mammograms earlier. Regular breast cancer screening can help with earlier detection of breast tumors and allow early cancer treatment to help prevent the development of metastatic breast cancer.
Aggressive Breast Cancers
In some cases, the development of metastatic cancer may develop from an aggressive form of breast cancer. Even if a woman undergoes regular monitoring for breast cancer, some forms of cancer may easily develop into metastatic breast cancer before diagnosis. An example of an aggressive breast cancer is inflammatory breast cancer, or IBC, a rare form of breast cancer that resembles a breast infection. BreastCancer.org indicates that all cases of IBC are considered invasive cancers and many develop into metastatic cancer. This form of cancer also develops rapidly, with symptoms developing in weeks and quickly progressing to metastatic cancer. Seeking medical attention as soon as any changes in the breast are detected may allow for cancer treatment before the cancer becomes metastatic.
