End stage breast cancer kills over 41,000 Americans every year, but there are treatments to fight this disease. Depending on the location and size of tumors, doctors recommend either aggressive chemotherapy and radiation or palliative care.
Identification
End stage breast cancer is better known as stage 4 breast cancer.
Definition
Doctors diagnose stage 4 breast cancer when tumors metastasize. Metastasis in breast cancer occurs when tumors spread beyond the breasts and surrounding lymph nodes.
Treatment
Depending on the size and location of metastatic tumors, treatment options usually include chemotherapy and hormone treatment. Some tumors require specialized drug treatment such as Herceptin or Avastin. Doctors typically recommend a combination of these treatments.
Alternative
Doctors sometimes suggest palliative care when it's unlikely that the cancer can be stopped. With palliative care, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are performed to manage symptoms rather than to fight the cancer.
Prognosis
According to the American Cancer Society, the chance of surviving after five years with end stage breast cancer is 20%.
Tags: stage breast, breast cancer, breast cancer, palliative care, stage breast cancer, chemotherapy radiation
