Metastatic breast cancer or stage IV cancer is an advanced form of cancer which is originally rooted in the breast but later spreads to other body parts. The process by which the cancerous cells spread is known as metastasis. This happens when the cells break open from the actual tumor in the breast. Later, these cells travel via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to reach other organs like bones, brain, liver, or lungs.
Metastatic disease develops in nearly 30% of women who have been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Researchers are organizing metastatic breast cancer clinical trials in Nebraska to have a better understanding of cancer. By conducting extensive research and using their scientific excellence, they propose innovative remedies to enhance the lives of cancer patients.
Types of metastatic breast cancer:
When cancer cells move from the breast to other body parts, they remain breast cells but cause hindrance in the target organ. Some common metastatic breast cancer sites are:
- Lung metastasis
- Bone metastasis (commonly attacks and causes pain in the spine, ribs, pelvis, arm, and leg bones)
- Brain metastasis
- Liver metastasis
What causes metastatic breast cancer?
It is normally a recurrent form of cancer in which the cells grow back after treatment and attack other organs of the former cancer patient. In another 15% of breast cancer patients, when they are diagnosed for the first time, the disease has already travelled to other regions of the body. This type of cancer is called ‘de novo metastatic breast cancer.’
In some cases, the treatment or even surgery, is not hundred percent successful in demolishing all cancer cells. This happens due to the tendency of cancer cells to dissolve in the blood or join other tissues of the body before the surgery is performed. These dispersed cells are then left untreated.
Initially, these cells are weak, but they can grow stronger over time. When left unchecked, they multiply inside the body and worsen the situation by affecting other tender regions of the body. The fluid carried by your lymph nodes and blood vessels facilitates the spread of breast cancer cells, enabling them to establish new tumors in the body. This is what causes metastatic breast cancer.
Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer
Metastatic breast cancer can spread to different body parts and cause symptoms specific to the target organ. Some examples are:
- Persistent joint pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of weight
- Loss of appetite
- Seizures
- Memory loss
- Speech difficulty
- Loss of balance
- Breathing problems
- Chronic cough
- Numbness in any part of the body
- Chest pain
- Bloating and indigestion
- Difficulty in urination
- Confusion and bad mood
- Blurred vision
How is metastatic breast cancer diagnosed?
Depending on the symptoms, metastatic cancer can be diagnosed by a series of diagnostic and imaging tests. Some of these diagnostic measures include:
- Blood tests such as CBC, biomarker testing, and serum biochemistry
- Bone scans of any part of the body; may or may not include x-rays
- Ultrasounds of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis
- CT scans, mostly for brain, chest, or abdomen
- MRIs, particularly for the brain and spinal cord
- Biopsies of any region of the body
- PET scanning
- Bronchoscopy of the trachea and lungs for symptoms like cough and breathing problems
- Taps – this is a type of diagnosis that involves the removal of fluid from different parts of the body. For example; a pleural tap is concerned with fluid removal from the lungs, a spinal tap removes fluid from around the spine and paracentesis involves fluid removal from the abdomen.
Treating metastatic breast cancer
Doctors plan the type of treatment for metastatic breast cancer according to the different needs and situations of their patients. Following are some treatment modules that can be pursued to ensure a proper result:
- Chemotherapy: used to target and debunk cancer causing cells
- Drugs: used to damage the proteins found in cancerous cells which cause them to multiply and spread
- Radiation therapy: used to manage cancer in some areas of the body and is also helpful in easing pain
- Endocrine therapy: used to target hormone-receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer by suppressing their growth
- Target therapy: used in targeting specific characteristics of cancer-causing cells
- Immunotherapy: uses the immune system of the body to identify and kill harmful foreign cells
- Local therapy: surgery and radiation are utilized to target individual areas affected by the spread of breast cancer
- Surgery: recommended in cases where there is a need to treat bone breakage or to prevent cell blockage in the liver
Other lifestyle strategies to prevent and control metastatic breast cancer
Do not lose motivation
Being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer can be overwhelming; it can push you on an emotional roller coaster and trigger negative emotions. However, you must understand that this is not the end of the world. Many people with stage IV cancer are still progressing in their lives and many have successfully been treated. If they can do it, you can do it too!
Opt for a healthy lifestyle
Daily exercise and a balanced diet can help you manage all your illnesses better. Not only this, but they can also prevent you from catching new diseases. You can also practice yoga or go for acupuncture to relax the muscular and emotional tension.
Get emotional help
You do not have to suffer from the emotional mayhem all alone. Talk to a family member or get professional help by contacting a therapist.
Become a part of clinical trials
If you are suffering from metastatic breast cancer and are determined to participate in social well-being, you can ask your doctor and participate in clinical trials. This way, you can help other cancer patients as well as researchers who are looking for new modes of treatment. To become a part of it, you can contact paid research studies near you in Nebraska and get going in no time.
Conclusion:
Metastatic breast cancer is a spreadable form of cancer that affects other parts of the body. It develops when previous cancer cells are left untreated and dissolve in the bloodstream to multiply later. Some symptoms of this condition include shortness of breath, body pain, weakness, cough, and memory problems. By leveling up your daily routine and incorporating meditation and exercise, you can manage your emotional and physical health better.
Feel free to submit more guest posts through Links Building Servcies - Best Prices. Buy Author Account / 1$ Guest Post Here
