Breast cancer refers to cancer that begins in the glands or ducts of the breast (adenocarcinoma) or the tissue of the breast (sarcoma). Although if affects both men and women, it is most common in women. Like most cancers, treatment depends on the "staging" of the cancer. Staging considers several factors, including the size of the tumor, the presence or absence of lymph node involvements, and the extent of metastasis. Once cancer spreads, or becomes metastatic, it is not curable. However, there are treatments to slow the metastasis and/or minimize pain associated with metastasis.
Common Sites of Metastases
Treatment for metastases depends on the location and extent of the metastases. Breast cancer metastases often appear in the bones, lungs and liver (in descending order of prevalence). Treatment is not a cure, but is instead designed to improve quality of life and extend longevity. When the cancer presents in the breast, lungs, liver or other part of the body, it is not considered "liver cancer" or "lung cancer' but is instead called metastases related to primary breast cancer. Systemic (or whole body) treatments may be used, or therapy may target the specific area of metastases, depending on the situation.
Bone Metastases
Treatment for bone metastases involves the use of drugs and other therapies to minimize the growth of cancer cells, protect the bones, and prevent bone pain or fractures associated with metastasis. Bisphosphonates, including Zometa and Aredia, have improved the prognosis and quality of life for patients with bone metastases. These bisphosphonates slow cancer growth, help the body maintain normal blood calcium levels, and reduce bone destruction caused by metastases.
Lung Metastases
Approximately 19% of breast cancer metastases occurs in the lungs. Lung metastases is not curable and there are not an extensive amount of specific treatment options. Radiation may be used to minimize pain and to help ease breathing problems associated with lungs, and the systemic treatments may help to slow the growth of the cancer cells in the lungs.
Liver Metastases
Surgery may be possible to treat metastasizes in the liver, because the liver has amazing regenerative properties. Up to 80% of the liver can be removed and will grow back within weeks. However, because the cancer in the liver is caused by metastasis and is a secondary cancer, the cancer may continue to return, even after surgery, to the liver or to other spots within the body.
Systemtic Whole Body Treatments
Systemic treatments may be administered for any type of metastasizes, alone or in conjunction with other therapies. Systemic treatments include hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. For hormone receptive breast cancers, estrogen blockers (hormone therapy) may help slow the growth of cancer by restricting estrogen that the cancer cells need to grow. A drug called herceptin may also be used to block the chemicals that stimulate the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy is also used when the hormone therapies and herceptin are not effective, when the cancer is not receptive to hormones, and/or when the metastases has primarily affected the liver or lung(s).
Tags: cancer cells, growth cancer, associated with, growth cancer cells, also used
