Metastatic breast cancer is the term used to describe cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other areas of the body. The brain is a common location for tumors caused by metastatic breast cancer cells.
The Facts
According to the National Cancer Institute, metastatic breast cancer is the most severe form of the disease. It is also known as Stage IV breast cancer.
Characteristics
When cancer metastasizes (spreads) to other organs, the resulting tumor is composed of cells from the initial form of cancer. In other words, brain tumors caused by metastatic breast cancer are functionally the same as primary breast cancer.
Symptoms
In some cases, individuals with breast cancer-related brain tumors experience no clear brain symptoms. When they do occur, symptoms may include seizures, headaches and body unsteadiness.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for metastatic breast cancer include radiation therapy, systemic chemotherapy, palliative (pain-easing) surgery and clinical trials of new medications and treatments.
Other Locations
Metastatic breast cancer cells may also spread to the liver, lungs, bones or other organs.
Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer, breast cancer cells, cancer cells, caused metastatic, caused metastatic breast
