Secondary breast cancer is a result of the cancer cells breaking away from the breast and invading another part of the body, forming a new tumor. This is also referred to as a metastasis. The original breast cancer is known as the primary cancer.
General Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the breast cancer has spread. General secondary breast cancer symptoms include feeling tired or under the weather and having less of an appetite. These symptoms can have many causes, however, and should only cause concern in recovering cancer patients if they persist for more than a week.
Bone
If secondary breast cancer in the bone occurs the patient will experience aching or pain in the affected bone.
Liver
If breast cancer spreads to the liver, the patient may feel tired and ill. Swelling and discomfort on the right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, and nausea may also occur.
Lungs
If the breast cancer spreads to your lungs, shortness of breath and a cough occur.
Brain
If the breast cancer spreads to the brain, the patient may feel sick and experience headaches. Weakness in a part of the body that is controlled by the affected portion of the brain and behavior changes may also be experienced.
Lymph Nodes
If the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, a lump or swelling may occur under your arm or in another part of the body. When the lymph nodes are affected your arm or hand may swell.
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