Distant breast cancer recurrence refers to breast cancer that returns in a different location than the original site of the cancer. In other words, the cancer does not come back in the breast, but it comes back in some other part of the body. This does not mean that you have cancer of the part of the body it returned in. For example, if the distant breast cancer comes back in the liver, you do not have liver cancer---you have primary breast cancer with liver metastases. The fact that the cancer is in a distant location means the breast cancer is metastatic, or stage IV. Stage IV breast cancer is not curable, but it is treatable.
Identifying Site of Metastases
Because the cancer is metastatic, since it returned in a distant spot, it is essential to find out how far the cancer has spread. Tests such as MRIs, PET scans and CAT scans can help identify all the potential areas the cancer has spread. The most common sites of metastases associated with breast cancer include the liver, lungs, brain and bones. Once you have identified all the possible places the cancer has spread, the next step is to discuss treatment methods with your doctor.
Treatment Options
Once you know where the cancer has spread, you can decide how the cancer is to be treated. Systematic or whole body treatments may be recommended. These treatments include the use of chemotherapy or hormone therapy designed to help kill cancer cells throughout the body, both in the breast and in the site of the distant recurrence. Pain medications may also be prescribed to deal with the symptoms and side effects associated with the metastatic breast cancer. Typically, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications) are not sufficient to address the pain associated with metastatic cancer, so opiates may be prescribed. Finally, depending on the site of metastases, specific treatments may be recommended to deal with the distant cancer.
Bone Metastases
If the breast cancer has spread to the bone, the best method of treatment involves slowing the growth of cancer cells and helping to protect the bone from degenerating or fragmenting. Bisphosphonates, including Zometa and Aredia, are prescribed to help improve quality of life by preventing bone fractures and slowing the growth of cancer. These Bisphosphonates have improved longevity and quality of life for patients with bone metastases.
Lung Metastases
Nineteen percent of distant breast cancers metastasizes to the lungs. There are few effective treatment options, either to prolong life or minimize discomfort associated with lung metastases. Doctors may recommend radiation to ease breathing problems and minimize discomfort. Systemic whole body treatments including pain relievers and chemotherapy may also help to relieve symptoms and slow cancer growth.
Liver Metastases
The liver is an organ with amazing properties for regeneration; up to 80 percent can be removed and will grow back within weeks. This would make the liver an excellent candidate for surgery to remove cancer cells. However, distant breast cancer, which appears in the liver, suggests that cancer cells are also elsewhere in the body and that there will be other sites of metastases. Thus, since the cancer may continue to return either to the liver or elsewhere, surgery is not a cure, although it may prolong life.
Tags: breast cancer, cancer spread, associated with, cancer cells, associated with metastatic, body treatments
