When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is called metastatic breast cancer. Knowing the usual places where breast cancer spreads can help you and your health team monitor your health and catch problems early.
It is not all breast cancer the same, and the type of breast cancer can affect where breast cancer can spread. Breast cancer types are determined by receptors located on the outside of the cancer cells. These species include:
- Receptor 2 (HER2) -POSITIVE
- Luminal a (hormonal receptor positive, her2-negative)
- Luminal B (hormonal receptor-positive, he2-negative or he2-positive)
- Triple-negative (hormonal receptor- and her2-negative)
Lymph nodes
The lymph nodes are small beans in your immune and lymphatic system. Connected through small lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes filter the liquid. The clumps of lymph nodes are located below the armpits near the breast, and the lymph nodes are often in the first place of breast cancer. Other lymph nodes are usually affected near the collarbone or in the chest.
Bones
About 70% of people with metastatic breast cancer experience metastases on bones. Cancer cells can travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and place to bone, where they interfere with the normal bone removal process.
This usually causes the affected bones to become weak and increase the risk of fracture. Bone metastases can occur in any part of the skeleton, but the spine, hips and ribs are common places.
Lungs
The lungs are another usual place for breast cancer metastases, mainly because of the large network of blood vessels that provide a light path for cancer cells to be disposed of. When breast cancer cells spread to the lungs, the symptoms may not be visible at first.
A doctor in the exam room (Stock picture).
MOMO PRODUCTIONS/Getty Stock Image
Liver
The liver is a common place for metastatic breast cancer because of its role as the main filter for blood. Cancer cells that circulate in the bloodstream can be laid in the liver, where they grow and form tumors. Because the liver is critical for filtering of blood toxins, metastases here can cause serious health complications.
Brain
Although brain metastases are not as common as bone or liver metastases, breast cancer can be expanded to the brain, with her2-positive and three times negative subtypes with the highest risk.
Cancer cells can enter the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier, a protective mechanism intended to remain outside the brain for harmful substances. Once in the brain brain, cancer cells can cause tumor growth or growth in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Peritoneal cavity
The peritoneal cavity, which contains abdominal organs, is less common, but still a potential place to spread breast cancer. This area contains peritoneum, a thin layer of tissue that draws the abdominal wall and covers organs. Breast cancer cells can spread to this area and diffuse (spread) through the cavity lining.
As breast cancer spreads
The metastatic process of breast cancer is complex. It starts when breast cancer cells are separated from the original tumor in the breast. These cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
As they travel through the body, some cancer cells are too big to fit through microscopic blood vessels and can start to grow there. In other cases, other processes allow cancer cells to continue without difficulty and teach. They can grow and form new tumors after arriving in the new area.
This procedure is called metastasis. Not all cancer cells spread, but some can find the right conditions for growth in other tissues. The study is ongoing to determine exactly how breast cancer spreads and ways to treat it more effectively.
Signs that breast cancer has expanded
Metastatic breast cancer can cause different symptoms, depending on where it spreads. Here are some general characters to be careful about:
- Changes in vision or balance
- Tiredness that does not disappear
- Permanent pain in one area
- Shortness of breath or permanent coughing
- Swelling or lumps in unusual places
- Inexplicable weight loss
Less common places of distant metastasis
Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body, although they are much less common:
- Adrenal glands
- Eyes
- Heart
- Kidneys
- Pancreas
- Skin
What to do if your breast cancer has spread
If you are worried that your breast cancer has spread, it is important to talk to your health team as soon as possible. They can trigger tests, such as scanning or blood work, to discover if the cancer has expanded and in what places.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education