Advanced breast cancer is medically termed metastatic breast cancer or stage IV breast cancer. In this stage, the breast cancer spreads to other areas of the body, such as bones, neighboring tissues, liver, lungs, and brain. Metastatic cancer used to come back after medical care.
The risk of breast cancer is higher in women and people assigned female at birth than men. Recommended tests or diagnostic procedures include biopsy, blood tests, a spinal tap, chest X-ray, MRI, CT, PET, ultrasound, bone scans, bronchoscopy, etc. For breast cancer treatment, visit the leading cancer hospital in the region.
Complications of stage 4 breast cancer result from the type of cancer, where it spreads, location, patient’s health, response to the treatment used, etc. Treatments are most effective when received earlier, which helps prevent complications.
Pain from cancer
Pain can result from cancer itself. When a malignant tumor grows, it puts pressure on the bones, organs, and nerves, which causes sharp or stabbing pain. Due to spinal cord compression, a patient may experience moderate to intense pain.
Never changes or some chemicals released by the cancer itself that cause aching sensations. Depending on where the cancer travels up to, one may feel bone pain, pain in the back and neck, etc.
Complications in the lungs
One of the sites or organs where advanced breast cancer can spread is the lungs. Breast cancer may reach the lungs due to metastasizing, but the patient notices no prominent symptoms.
However, its signs include wheezing, pneumonia, shortness of breath, fluid and cancer cells accumulating between the membranes that line the lungs, bleeding into the lungs (coughing up blood), shortness of breath, chest pain, etc. For optimum chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy in North Bengal visit the most trusted cancer hospital in the area.
Complications in the brain
Metastatic breast cancer can spread to the brain as well. Signs and symptoms associated with advanced breast cancer spreading to the brain include vision problems, dizziness, vomiting, seizures, nausea, swelling in the brain, etc.
Imaging tests like CT and MRI, and biopsy help determine where the cancer has spread to the brain, the tumor type/nature, location, site, etc. Effective treatments are available to reduce the complications. Get advanced breast cancer treatment in North Bengal at the top cancer hospital and research center in the region.
Complications in the liver
When cancer begins in the breast has travels up to the liver, it is medically called metastatic or secondary breast cancer in the liver. About 40-50% of people with advanced breast cancer may develop liver metastasis.
Breast cancer complications related to the liver include bleeding, anemia, shoulder pain, abdominal pain, confusion, jaundice, weight loss, vomiting, blockage in the bile duct, itching, etc.
Watch for signs like persistent/ongoing pain in the neck, bones, or back, an onset of cough unexplained, unexplained shortness of breath/dyspnea, extreme fatigue, difficulty with speech, headaches, and vision changes. Be sure to seek immediate medical attention if you have any such discomfort or signs. Effective treatments are obtainable and given based on patient-centric health requirements.
