Metastatic breast cancer occurs when breast cancer cells move to other parts of the body. Although it is not usually considered curable, it can be treated, and it is important to recognize the early signs of spread.
The most common areas of breast cancer spread are bones, lungs, liver and brain. When cancer cells start to grow in other organs, different symptoms can appear because the cancer affects the functioning of the organs. Learn the different symptoms associated with metastatic breast cancer.
Bone pain that won’t go away
A possible early sign of metastatic breast cancer when it has spread to the bones is bone pain; breast cancer cells can cause inflammation and bone weakening as they destroy bone cells.
This type of pain is persistent and gradually worsens over time. It is often described as pain or pressure that is hard to pinpoint. It can spread over a large area, such as the back, hips or ribs.
The pain may also be worse at night and may not be relieved by changing position or even with over-the-counter pain relievers. There may be a fracture in the area where the cancer is growing.
Unusual and constant back or neck pain
Unusual or constant pain in the neck or back can be a sign of metastatic breast cancer, most often when the cancer has spread to the bones of the spine. Cancer cells that reach the bones of the neck or back can break down normal, healthy bones and cause pain.
The pain may worsen over time and may not be relieved by rest, repositioning, or over-the-counter medications. In some cases, the pain may radiate to other parts of the body, such as the shoulders or arms. The pain is often worse at night or when lying down.
Unexplained shortness of breath or dry cough
Unexplained shortness of breath or a persistent cough may be a sign of metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the lungs or the tissue that lines the lungs, called the pleura.
When breast cancer metastasizes to the lungs, it can cause fluid to build up in the space between the pleura and the lungs, called a pleural effusion. This fluid buildup can cause pressure on the lungs, preventing them from fully inflating during breathing.
This leads to difficulty breathing, which does not go away. A cough can also occur with a pleural effusion, but it can also occur without a pleural effusion if there are cancer cells in the lung tissue that cause inflammation.
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Difficulty urinating
Difficulty urinating can be a sign of metastatic breast cancer, most often when the cancer has spread to the bones of the spine or pelvis, compressing the nerves that control bladder and urinary tract function. This condition is called spinal cord compression.
In the urinary system, spinal cord compression can cause difficulty starting to urinate, a weak stream of urine, or difficulty emptying the bladder completely. These symptoms may also be accompanied by back pain or numbness or tingling in the legs.
In rare cases, breast cancer has spread directly to the bladder wall, which can cause symptoms such as blood in the urine, abdominal or pelvic pain, or difficulty urinating.
Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite can be a sign of metastatic breast cancer, often when the cancer has spread to organs such as the liver, lungs or bones. When breast cancer metastasizes, the body’s metabolism can change as inflammatory chemicals are released that affect appetite.
Pain, fatigue, or nausea caused by cancer or its treatment can also cause a decreased appetite. Unlike changes in appetite due to stress or illness, this type of loss of appetite can lead to significant weight loss.
Breast cancer screening.
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Severe headaches
A severe headache can be a sign of metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the brain. When cancer metastasizes to the brain, increased pressure or swelling can cause severe headaches.
The headache may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as changes in vision, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or difficulty with balance and coordination. The headache may be worse when you wake up, lie down, or engage in activities that increase pressure in the skull, such as coughing or bending over.
Vision problems
Vision problems can be a sign of metastatic breast cancer if the cancer has spread to the brain. Increased pressure in the brain due to cancer can affect parts of the brain responsible for vision, such as the occipital lobe or the optic nerve.
This can lead to a variety of vision problems, including:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Partial loss of vision
- Sudden blindness in severe cases
Symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness or difficulty with balance may also be present.
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Difficulty with speech
Difficulty speaking is another symptom of breast cancer that has metastasized to the brain. When swelling caused by breast cancer affects the areas of the brain that control language, speech and motor functions, it can prevent these systems from working normally.
This can be seen as follows:
- Difficulty finding words
- Slurred speech
- He suddenly loses the ability to speak
These speech difficulties can appear suddenly or develop gradually. Other symptoms that may be present include headaches, numbness or weakness on one side of the body.
Loss of balance
Loss of balance can be another sign of metastatic breast cancer to the brain or spinal cord. When cancer cells grow in these areas, they can put pressure on the areas responsible for coordinating movement and balance.
Symptoms may include:
- Stumbling
- Swinging while walking
- Falling, even when performing simple activities on a flat surface
In addition, the following may be present:
- Dizziness
- Weakness in arms or legs
- A feeling of numbness and tingling
Confusion or memory problems
Confusion or memory problems can be a sign of metastatic breast cancer in the brain. Cancer cells can put pressure on areas of the brain that affect memory and thought processes.
Symptoms may include problems with short-term memory or finding that things that once seemed familiar are now confusing. There may also be difficulty organizing thoughts to speak clearly.
Attacks
Seizures can be a sign of metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the brain. A cancerous brain tumor can interfere with electrical impulses in the brain, causing them to become erratic, resulting in a seizure.
Seizure symptoms may include convulsions, twitching of the arms or legs, or even loss of consciousness. Seizures can also affect only one part of the body.
Abdominal bloating, pain or tenderness
Abdominal bloating, pain or tenderness may be a sign of metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the liver or the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum. When cancer spreads to these areas, fluid can build up in the abdomen, causing bloating and discomfort.
There may also be a feeling of fullness, pressure or pain in the abdomen.
Constant nausea, vomiting or weight loss
Constant nausea and vomiting, with or without weight loss, can be a sign of metastatic breast cancer if the cancer has spread to the liver or another part of the gastrointestinal tract.
When breast cancer spreads to these areas, the normal processes of hunger and digestion are affected and can lead to constant nausea and vomiting, ultimately leading to weight loss. Constant nausea and vomiting can also be a symptom when breast cancer metastasizes to the brain.
Numbness or weakness anywhere in the body
Numbness or weakness anywhere in the body can be a sign of metastatic breast cancer, which is seen when cancer has spread to the spinal cord or into the cerebrospinal fluid.
Cancer spreading into the spine can compress the spinal cord and other nerves, leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or tingling. The location of these symptoms will depend on the location of the cancer within the spine.
Itchy skin or rash
Itchy skin or a rash can be a sign of metastatic breast cancer when the cancer has spread to the skin or lymph nodes. When breast cancer metastasizes to the skin, it can cause skin symptoms such as itching, rashes, nodules or ulcers. Cancer cells can lead to inflammation that can irritate the skin, causing itchiness, redness, or discoloration.
Jaundice
Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and eyes and can be a sign of metastatic breast cancer when it has spread to the liver. Liver cancer interferes with the normal processing of bilirubin, which is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells.
As bilirubin levels rise, the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. Other symptoms of jaundice may include dark urine, pale stools, and abdominal pain or swelling.
Severe fatigue or weakness
Severe fatigue or weakness can be a significant sign of metastatic breast cancer. Fatigue is more than just feeling tired. It’s an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep and can make it impossible for someone to carry out daily activities.
Malaise is a general feeling of being in a bad mood. In addition to fatigue and weakness, other symptoms that may be present include changes in appetite, weight loss, and weakness.
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By Julie Scott, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP
Medically reviewed by Dora Paul, MD, Verywell Health Medical Expert Board
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education