Early Signs and Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer

When breast cancer has migrated from the breast and close lymph nodes to another organ, most frequently bones, lungs, liver or brain, doctors will use the term metastatic breast cancer. It's also known as stage 4 breast cancer and may occur years after the initial diagnosis and treatment.

If you have already been treated, some new or unusual symptoms may sometimes be the first sign of a newly grown new cancer. Raising awareness of signs and symptoms, and who to call, can really help.

What Makes Metastatic Breast Cancer Symptoms Hard to Notice

Fatigue, slight bone pain or a persistent cough are just some of the symptoms that are brushed aside as normal. However, in some instances, these are the initial metastatic breast cancer symptoms, particularly if they occur without any apparent cause.

Back pain, tiredness and slight shortness of breath are common discomforts and are not immediately thought of as cancer symptoms. However, if the patient has breast cancer history, these complaints should be investigated especially when they are extended beyond normal periods, are different in nature from the previous complaints, or do not respond to rest.

Local Signs Near the Site of Treatment

The early signs can occur near where the original cancer has been treated. Sometimes a new lump, changes in the skin or scar tissue or swelling in the adjacent arm may indicate spread or local recurrence.

• New lump or thickening in the breast, chest wall or underarm area.

• A change in the color, texture or form of a mastectomy or lumpectomy scar.

• Unusual swelling in the arm or hand on the side being treated.

• Increased redness, bumps or odd warmness of the skin.

Make a note to see your treating doctor if any of these changes occur, not in between appointments. Local changes are easier to manage if caught early and often other more common causes can be ruled out after a quick examination.

How Metastatic Breast Cancer Signs Vary by Body Area

The metastatic breast cancer signs will vary from person to person, depending on the organ involved. The most frequent areas of metastasis are the bones, lungs, liver, and brain.

While these signs may be signs in isolation, many are harmless and not associated with cancer. However, if the symptom(s) you are experiencing are new, ongoing, or different from what you are used to, be sure to let your physician know.

Who Should Pay Extra Attention to These Changes

Just as people who have had a previous breast cancer diagnosis should continue to be alert of these changes, after any breast surgery. Although the chance of the cancer spreading diminishes with the passage of time, it will not go away after treatment is completed. Following care visits are still key to maintaining general health.

One other aspect is that family members and caregivers can also play a role. Sometimes, a shift is more apparent in someone else, say a loss of energy, appetite, or mood. These comments can be helpful when talking with a doctor during a wellness checkup.

When These Symptoms Need a Doctor's Opinion

Individual symptoms do not usually have much meaning by themselves. True change happens when it endures over several weeks, if it doesn't improve in the normal way of decreasing inflammation, or develops in parallel with other changes listed here. Let your doctor know if you have previously had breast cancer, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

There may be blood tests, imaging (e.g., bone scan or CT scan) or a biopsy ordered to determine what's going on. A round of evaluation need not be a negative one. It just provides your healthcare team with the information they need to make the best decisions looking ahead.

Key Points to Remember:

• MBC may strike years after the first diagnosis of breast cancer.

• Symptoms are usually felt outside of the breast,

• Some early symptoms include bone pain, cough and tiredness.

• Local changes around the treated area also are relevant.

• Early signs may be changes in a scar, in the skin, or in the treated arm can also be early signs.

• If symptoms are present for longer than 2 – 3 weeks then it deserves a doctor's examination.

Sometimes, metastatic breast cancer can present with seemingly unrelated symptoms and may develop 'stealthily'. One of the best things you can do is to be aware of any shifts that may be occurring within your body, and talk with your doctor about them. The oncology team at RG Hospitals can help evaluate any new symptoms and advise further actions.