Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is invasive cancer that has spread beyond the breast where it developed to other areas of the body. Because each metastatic tumor may grow in a unique environment and affect different organs and tissues, breast cancer metastases are generally more challenging to treat than primary breast tumors.

Widely considered to be one of the best metastatic breast cancer treatment centers in the nation, Tampa General Hospital’s Cancer Institute and Breast Cancer Center proudly offers the latest innovations in chemotherapy and other treatments for metastatic breast cancer. Accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), TGH has earned the prestigious “High Performing in Cancer” designation from U.S. News & World Report for 2022-23, which ranks us among the top 10% of hospitals in the nation.

What Is Metastatic Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer metastasis occurs when cancerous cells break away from the original tumor in the breast and spread (metastasize) to distant tissues or organs, such as the bones, lungs, liver or brain. Cancerous cells reproduce more rapidly than healthy breast cells and do not self-destruct at the end of their normal lifecycle. Instead, they accumulate in breast tissue, continue to reproduce and may invade surrounding healthy tissues, such as the axillary lymph nodes in the underarm area. Once breast cancer cells reach the lymph nodes, they can enter the lymphatic system—a network of vessels that extends throughout the body—and travel to distant locations.

Causes of Metastatic Breast Cancer

Also known as stage 4 breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer may be present at the time of an initial breast cancer diagnosis. It can also develop months or even years after early-stage or locally advanced breast cancer is diagnosed and treated. For instance, after a primary breast tumor is removed, microscopic cancer cells may remain in the body. Over time, the residual cancer cells may continue to grow, invade nearby healthy tissues and cause metastatic breast cancer.

Signs of Metastatic Breast Cancer

The symptoms of metastatic breast cancer can vary widely depending on the type of tissue or organ affected, such as:

The Bones

Breast cancer that has spread to a bone may cause:

  • Severe bone, joint, neck or back pain
  • Swelling
  • Fractures with minimal trauma

The Liver

Breast cancer that has spread to the liver may cause:

  • Jaundice (a yellowish tinge to the skin and whites of the eyes)
  • Itching and skin rashes
  • Severe nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Pain, tenderness and swelling in the abdomen
  • Swelling in the hands and feet
  • Changes in bowel habits

The Lungs

Breast cancer that has spread to a lung may cause:

  • Persistent dry coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain

The Brain

Breast cancer that has spread to the brain may cause:

  • Blurred vision, double vision or vision loss
  • Dizziness and loss of balance
  • Severe headaches
  • Mental confusion
  • Attention and memory problems
  • Behavioral and personality changes
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures

Other Organs and Tissues

Breast cancer that has spread to other organs and tissues may cause:

  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the underarm area
  • Numbness or weakness

Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis

If metastatic breast cancer is suspected based on the symptoms or the results of a screening test or follow-up examination, a physician will typically order one or more diagnostic tests, such as a:

  • Blood test for tumor markers
  • Whole-body bone scan with or without X-rays of specific bones
  • X-ray or ultrasound of the chest or abdomen
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, abdomen, pelvis or brain
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the spine or brain
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Biopsy
  • Pleural tap
  • Spinal tap

Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment

Many treatments for metastatic breast cancer are systemic and can reach and destroy cancerous cells throughout the body. Some patients also receive localized treatments, such as radiation therapy or surgery to remove a well-defined mass.

Treatment options include:

  • Chemotherapy – After being administered intravenously or orally, powerful medications enter the bloodstream, circulate throughout the body and destroy widespread cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy – High-energy beams are targeted at (or implanted in) a tumor.
  • Hormone therapy – Specialized drugs prevent estrogen or progesterone from reaching cancerous cells that grow in response to hormone exposure.
  • Immunotherapy – Medications trigger an immune response against widespread cancer cells.
  • Traditional and minimally invasive surgery – A surgeon performs a surgical procedure to remove a tumor.

Benefit From World-Class Care at TGH

The multidisciplinary team at TGH can provide a more comprehensive explanation of metastatic breast cancer and help you explore your treatment options. If would like to talk with an expert on our team, contact us at (800) 844-4554 to request an appointment.