Metastatic Breast Cancer

• Metastatic Breast Cancer


  Cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body
• The etiology (cause) of metastatic breast cancer is unknown
• Pathophysiology of metastatic breast cancer

  1. Breast cancer cells break away from site of origin

  2. Spread to other body parts via lymphatic system

  3. Spread to other body parts via blood stream
• Signs and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer

  • Bone metastasis: pain, fractures, swelling
  • Brain metastasis: headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, dizziness, confusion, loss of balance, other CNS changes
  • Lung metastasis: shortness of breath, dyspnea
  • Liver metastasis: jaundice, abdominal pain/swelling, itchy skin or rash, loss of appetite, nausea
  • Metastatic spinal cord compression: back pain, limb weakness, difficulty walking, sensory loss, bowel/bladder dysfunction
• The 5-year relative survival rate of metastatic breast cancer is 30%
• Medical management of metastatic breast cancer

  • No cure
  • Goals: prolong survival, reduce side effects, maximize quality of life
• Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 American women in their lifetime and 1 in 1000 American men
• About 30% of all patients diagnosed with early stage breast cancer will later develop metastatic breast cancer