Early Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer: 17 Signs To Watch For
By Aishakeel, 13 November 2023
Breast cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer mortality
Breast cancer is a serious health concern, and sometimes, it can become even more complex when it spreads to other parts of the body. In this article, we will explain what metastatic breast cancer is and discuss its important aspects in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
What is Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer, often referred to as stage IV or advanced breast cancer, happens when cancer cells from the breast tumor move to other parts of the body. They travel through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to reach new locations. This spreading or moving of cancer is called metastasis.
How does cancer spread, or metastasize?
Cancer typically advances through a series of stages, which may include one or more of the following processes:
- Cancer cells invade healthy cells, taking them over and making more abnormal cells.
(cancer cells invade healthy cells)
- Cancer cells can enter the circulatory or lymph systems by breaking through nearby blood or lymph vessels.
- They travel through the body in the blood or lymph.
- Sometimes, cancer cells stop in tiny blood vessels and start growing in a new place.
- New small tumors, called micrometastases, can form in these new locations.
Early Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing metastatic breast cancer early is essential. The signs and symptoms can vary depending on where the cancer has spread.
It’s important to know that most of the signs and symptoms discussed in this article can be caused by many other conditions as well. So please don’t think you have cancer if you have aches in your body or you are coughing. Discuss with your doctor and they will carry out various tests to diagnose the nature of your illness.
Here are some early signs to look out for, in the case of metastatic breast cancer:
Bone Metastases
1. Bone Pain:
This can be quite severe and might get worse at night.
2. Easily Fractured:
It could also lead to fractures or breaks in bones with very little pressure.
3. Stiffness:
Stiffness in the affected joints can also occur.
4. Swelling:
The bones can become swollen which becomes a significant cause of discomfort.
Lung Metastases
Lung metastases occur when breast cancer spreads to the lungs. This can lead to various symptoms that are important to recognize early.
(lung cancer)
5. Persistent Cough:
When we talk about a “persistent cough,” we mean a cough that just won’t go away. It’s not the usual cough you get when you have a cold or flu. This cough sticks around, and it can be a sign that something is not quite right.
6. Chest Pain:
If you have unexplained chest pain, it’s a reason to be concerned. Unexplained means there’s no obvious reason for the pain, like an injury or muscle strain. This chest pain could be related to the cancer spreading to your lungs.
7. Difficulty Breathing:
Imagine feeling like you can’t catch your breath, as if you’ve been running fast. This sensation of struggling to breathe is worrisome and may indicate that the cancer has affected your lungs.
8. Coughing up Blood:
Coughing up blood is a sign that requires immediate medical attention. It’s not something you should ignore. If you see blood when you cough, it could be linked to the cancer in your lungs, and you should contact a doctor right away.
When breast cancer spreads to the lungs, it can cause symptoms like a persistent cough, unexplained chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood. If you experience any of these signs, it’s essential to seek medical help promptly. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in managing lung metastases and improving your overall health. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Liver Metastases
Liver metastases can happen when breast cancer spreads to the liver, and it can lead to several noticeable signs.
9. Jaundice:
Jaundice is a word for when your skin, and the white part of your eyes, turn yellow. It’s a bit like getting a yellowish tint to your skin and eyes. If this happens, it could be linked to the cancer spreading to your liver.
10. Unexplained Weight Loss:
Imagine losing weight without trying. You’re not on a diet, and you haven’t changed your eating or exercise habits, but the pounds are coming off. This unexplained weight loss can be a sign that something is not right, and it might be due to the cancer affecting your liver.
11. Abdominal Pain:
Abdominal pain is a way of saying you feel pain or discomfort in your stomach area. It’s not the usual tummy ache that goes away quickly; it’s pain that lingers and doesn’t seem to have a clear reason. This kind of pain can be connected to liver metastases.
12 Enlarged Liver:
(enlarged liver)
Your doctor may be able to tell if your liver is bigger than it should be during an examination. An enlarged liver can be a sign that breast cancer has spread to this important organ.
When breast cancer spreads to the liver, you might notice signs like jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or discomfort, and the possibility of an enlarged liver that your doctor can detect. If you experience any of these signs, it’s crucial to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. Detecting liver metastases early can be important for your overall well-being and treatment options. Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns with your medical team.
Brain Metastases
Brain metastases can occur when breast cancer spreads to the brain, and they can cause specific signs that are important to recognize.
13. Headaches that are often persistent and may worsen over time:
Imagine having a headache that doesn’t go away easily. It’s not the kind of headache you get from being tired or stressed; it sticks around and might even get worse over time. This persistent and worsening headache could be a sign that breast cancer has spread to your brain. It’s important to pay attention to these headaches, especially if they’re different from what you’ve experienced before.
14. Seizures:
Seizures are sudden, uncontrollable changes in your body’s behavior or movement. They can be quite scary, involving things like shaking, twitching, or even loss of consciousness. Brain metastases can trigger seizures because they disrupt the normal functioning of your brain. If you experience a seizure for the first time, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
15. Changes in mental function, such as confusion, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating:
(confusion and memory problems)
These changes can be like feeling confused, forgetting things more often than usual, or struggling to focus on tasks. When breast cancer spreads to your brain, it can affect your brain’s ability to work properly, leading to these mental function changes. These symptoms can be challenging, so it’s important to share them with your doctor.
16. Weakness or numbness in limbs:
Imagine feeling weak or like one of your arms or legs has fallen asleep, and you can’t quite move it as you normally would. This weakness or numbness in your limbs can be linked to brain metastases. These symptoms can be concerning and should be discussed with your doctor.
17. Nausea and vomiting:
Feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up can be signs of brain metastases. This happens because the cancer affects the part of your brain that controls these functions. If you’re experiencing frequent nausea and vomiting without an apparent cause, it’s important to let your doctor know.
When breast cancer spreads to the brain, it can lead to various signs, including persistent and worsening headaches, seizures, changes in mental function, weakness or numbness in limbs, and nausea and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to reach out to your healthcare provider promptly. Early detection and treatment can play a significant role in managing brain metastasis and improving your overall well-being.
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Taking Action
Metastatic breast cancer can also cause more general symptoms like fatigue (feeling very tired), unintentional weight loss, and a decline in overall well-being. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, too.
If you’ve had breast cancer in the past and notice any of these unusual or persistent symptoms, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment are key to managing the condition and improving your quality of life.
For people with a history of breast cancer, regular check-ups and monitoring are vital to catch any signs of metastases in their early stages. This helps ensure the best possible care and support for those dealing with metastatic breast cancer.
FAQs
Metastatic breast cancer, often called stage IV or advanced breast cancer, happens when cancer cells from the breast tumor spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer typically advances through stages, which may include cancer cells invading healthy cells, entering the circulatory or lymph systems, traveling through the body, and forming new tumors in different locations.
The signs and symptoms can vary depending on where the cancer has spread. Common signs include bone pain, persistent cough, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), headaches, and more.
No, most of the symptoms discussed in this article can be caused by other conditions. It’s essential not to jump to conclusions and consult with a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Bone metastases can cause symptoms such as severe bone pain, increased risk of fractures, joint stiffness, and swelling of the affected bones.
Lung metastases can lead to a persistent cough, unexplained chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood.
Liver metastases can be associated with jaundice, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or discomfort, and the possibility of an enlarged liver.
Brain metastases can cause persistent and worsening headaches, seizures, changes in mental function, weakness or numbness in limbs, and nausea and vomiting. Early detection and treatment are crucial.
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