Metastatic Breast Cancer - Summary, Symptoms, Treatments
- What is metastatic breast cancer?
- How is metastatic breast cancer diagnosed?
- What causes metastatic breast cancer?
- Is metastatic breast cancer genetic?
- Is metastatic breast cancer curable?
- How is metastatic breast cancer treated?
- Discover More About Breast Cancer
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What is metastatic breast cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer is a stage of breast cancer—specifically, Stage 4. This means that breast cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. It can be any type of breast cancer—such as hormone receptor–positive, HER2-positive, or triple-negative—that has advanced to this stage. While breast cancer type describes the biology of the tumor, the stage describes how far it has spread, which helps guide its treatment and outlook.
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How is metastatic breast cancer diagnosed?
Metastatic breast cancer is diagnosed using a combination of tests and evaluations to confirm that the cancer has spread beyond the breast. Doctors often use imaging scans, such as CT, PET, MRI, or bone scans, to look for tumors in other parts of the body. If a suspicious area is found, a biopsy may be done to confirm it’s breast cancer. Blood tests can help check how organs are functioning, and doctors also consider symptoms like bone pain, shortness of breath, or neurological changes. Together, these steps help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.
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What causes metastatic breast cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer doesn’t have a single cause. It develops when breast cancer cells spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body. This happens because some cancer cells gain the ability to break away, travel through the bloodstream or lymph system, and grow in distant organs. Factors that can contribute to this include:
- Biology of the tumor: aggressive cancer types, such as triple-negative or HER2-positive, are more likely to spread.
- Genetic mutations: Certain inherited or acquired mutations can make cells more likely to grow and spread.
- Treatment resistance: Cancer cells that survive initial treatments may later grow elsewhere.
- Time and progression: If breast cancer is not detected early or is advanced at diagnosis, there is a higher risk it will become metastatic.
It’s important to note that metastatic breast cancer is a progression of the original type of breast cancer, not a new or separate disease.
Is metastatic breast cancer genetic?
Metastatic breast cancer itself is not directly inherited, but genetics can play a role in the overall risk of developing breast cancer and how aggressive it may be.
About 5–10% of breast cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, which increase the risk of developing breast cancer in the first place. Cancer cells can also acquire genetic changes over time that make them more likely to grow, resist treatment, or spread. These are not inherited.
While certain inherited mutations can raise the risk of breast cancer, whether it becomes metastatic depends more on how the cancer behaves and responds to treatment, not on genetics alone.
Is metastatic breast cancer curable?
Metastatic breast cancer is generally not considered curable, but it can be treated and managed. The goal of treatment is usually to control the cancer, relieve symptoms, and maintain quality of life for as long as possible.
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How is metastatic breast cancer treated?
Each patient and each cancer is unique. At FCS, physicians develop a personalized treatment plan in partnership with patients. Treatment options depend on a number of factors that include the patient’s overall health and personal preference. Metastatic breast cancer is not considered curable, but it can often be treated to help control the disease and improve quality of life. Treatments like hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and sometimes radiation or surgery can slow the cancer’s growth, relieve symptoms, and help people live longer. While it usually can’t be eliminated completely, many people are able to live for years with metastatic breast cancer through ongoing treatment and care.
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