Metastatic breast cancer, also known as metastasis, advanced breast cancer, secondary tumor, or stage four breast cancer, is a stage of breast cancer where cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. Although it is not usually considered curable, it can be treated and it is important to recognize the early signs of spread.
The most common areas where breast cancer spreads are the bones, lungs, liver and brain. When cancer cells begin to grow in other organs, various symptoms may occur as the cancer affects the way the organs work. Learn the different symptoms associated with metastatic breast cancer.
Bone pain without stopping
A possible early sign of metastatic breast cancer when it has spread to the bones is bone pain. Cancer cells can cause inflammation and bone weakening as they destroy bone cells. This type of pain is constant and gets progressively worse over time. It can extend to wider areas, such as the back, hips or ribs.
Constant back or neck pain
Cancer cells that enter the bones of the neck or back can destroy normal, healthy bones and cause pain.
Unexplained shortness of breath or dry cough
When cancer progresses to the lungs, it can cause material to build up in the space between the pleura and the lung. This buildup can put pressure on the lungs, preventing them from fully inflating during breathing.
Difficulty urinating
In the urinary system, compression of the spinal cord can cause difficulty in starting urination, or difficulty in completely emptying the bladder. These symptoms may also be accompanied by back pain, numbness or tingling in the legs.
Loss of appetite
Pain, fatigue, or nausea from cancer or its treatments can also cause someone to have a lower appetite than usual. Unlike loss of appetite that is caused by stress or illness, this type of loss of appetite can lead to drastic weight loss.
Severe headaches
Other symptoms that may accompany the headache are changes in vision, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or difficulties with balance and coordination. The headache may be worse when you wake up, when you are lying down, or when you engage in activities that increase pressure on the skull, such as coughing or bending over.
Vision problems
Increased pressure in the brain from cancer can affect parts of the brain responsible for vision, such as the occipital lobe or optic nerve. This can lead to various vision problems, including:
- Blurred vision;
- Double vision;
- Partial loss of sight;
- Sudden blindness in rare cases.
Difficulty in speaking
When breast cancer affects the areas of the brain that control language, speech and motor functions, it can stop these systems from working normally.
This can appear as:
- Difficulty in finding words;
- Sudden loss of ability to speak.
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