Spreading of the tumor from its original site to distant organs is described as metastatic or advanced breast cancer. In a metastatic breast cancer, which is the most advanced stage (stage 5) of breast cancer, cancer cells have spread past the breast and underarm lymph nodes to other areas of the body where they continue to multiply and grow. Metastatic breast cancer has the potential to spread to almost any region of the body. Bone, lungs, and liver are the most common regions where this most advanced type of breast cancer spreads.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Symptoms:

They may include:

• Possible indications of neurological metastases are “neurological pain or weakness and headaches.”

• A possible indication of lung metastases is “shortness of breath.”

• A possible indication of liver metastases is “lack of appetite.”

• A possible indication of bone metastases is “bone pain.”

• A possible indication of liver metastases is “weight loss.”

Metastatic breast cancer is sometimes but not always associated with theses symptoms and it does not necessarily mean that woman who has one or more of these symptoms has metstatic breast cancer. Until the disease is extensive most women whose breast cancer has metastasized do not show symptoms.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment:

Relieving symptoms and extending a woman’s lifetime are generally focused in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Metstatic breast cancer patients are usually treated with systemic therapies such as chemotherapy or other drug therapies such as Tamoxifen, Taxol, Aromasin, and Herceptin (only FDA approved for patients with HER2-positive receptors). Surgery is rarely an option.