Metastatic breast cancer
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer (pronunciation: meh-tuh-STA-tik brest KAN-ser), also known as stage IV breast cancer, is a type of breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other organs in the body, most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain.
Etymology
The term "metastatic" comes from the Greek metastasis meaning "change of place". It refers to the process by which cancer cells spread from the place in the body where they first formed to other parts of the body.
Definition
Metastatic breast cancer is not a specific type of breast cancer, but rather the most advanced stage of cancer. It occurs when the cancer has spread beyond the original tumor in the breast to other parts of the body. This process is known as metastasis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer vary depending on the part of the body to which the cancer has spread. Common symptoms may include bone pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer typically involves imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI, and PET scans, as well as biopsies of the suspected metastatic sites.
Treatment
Treatment for metastatic breast cancer is typically systemic, meaning it involves treatment that reaches cells throughout the body. This can include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The goal of treatment is to control the growth of the cancer and to improve quality of life.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Metastatic breast cancer
- Wikipedia's article - Metastatic breast cancer
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