Metastatic Breast Cancer

Author: Courtney Misher, MPH, BS R.T.(T)
Content Contributor: Allyson Van Horn, MPH
Last Reviewed: January 02, 2025

What is metastatic breast cancer?

Metastatic breast cancer is when the cancer cells metastasize (spread) from your breast to other areas of your body. Metastatic breast cancer is also called stage IV (4) breast cancer and is the most advanced stage of breast cancer.

Metastatic breast cancer can be:

  • De novo metastatic breast cancer: This is when you are first diagnosed with breast cancer and the cancer has already spread to other areas of your body.
  • Distant recurrence: This can happen after you have had treatment for your first breast cancer diagnosis and can happen even years later.

Often, metastatic breast cancer happens when not all the cancer cells were destroyed (killed) during the original treatment. Some cancer cells may not be able to be seen on imaging. They stay hidden for some time and then start to grow and spread again. You cannot stop this from happening.

Where does breast cancer metastasize?

The most common areas of breast cancer metastasis are the:

  • Lung.
  • Liver.
  • Bones.
  • Brain.

Am I at risk for metastatic breast cancer?

Your risk of metastasis after breast cancer treatment depends on some factors. These are:

  • The characteristics (type) of cancer cells.
  • The stage of your cancer when you were first diagnosed.
  • The treatments for your first breast cancer diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of metastatic breast cancer?

Your symptoms depend on where the cancer has spread and may include bone pain, cough, chest pain, headache, seizures, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

How is metastatic breast cancer diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of metastatic breast cancer, your provider may want you to have one or more tests done after having a mammogram. The tests ordered depend on the symptoms you are having and may include:

How is metastatic breast cancer treated?

In most cases, systemic therapy, drugs that treat your whole body, are used for treatment. This can help shrink tumors, slow their growth, ease symptoms, and improve quality of life. It is common for more than one type of treatment to be used because treatments can stop working or the side effects can increase. Possible treatments that may be used:

Surgery and radiation are less likely to be used to treat metastatic breast cancer. Once the cancer has spread, treating the whole body is more common.

Living with metastatic breast cancer can be difficult and confusing. It can cause sadness, anger, and anxiety. It may be helpful to talk with friends, family, support groups, or your care team. If you are being treated for metastatic breast cancer, your healthcare provider may suggest that you eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and manage your stress. Ask your healthcare provider any questions you have about treatment for metastatic breast cancer.

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