What Is Secondary Breast Cancer?
Secondary breast cancer is cancer that has originated from the cells in the breasts and now spread to other parts of the body. It can also be referred to as metastases, secondary tumours, advanced breast cancer, secondaries or stage 4 breast cancer.
The cancer cells multiply and spread via the blood stream or lymphatic system. Once they have spread, they can lie dormant for years before developing into a new tumour. The most areas of the body for breast cancer cells to spread to are the lymph nodes, bones and liver, and on occasion the lungs and brain.
As over 99% of all breast cancers are diagnosed in women, practically all secondary breast cancers are in females. Incidence rates are far greater in women over the age of 50.
The cause of secondary breast cancer is obviously primary cancer. The metastatic breast cancer cells are often quite different from the original primary breast cancer cells, allowing them to develop in different sites.
The signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer vary greatly depending on what part of the body is affected. In bones, symptoms can present themselves as a dull but persistent ache in the bones, fractures, and hypercalcaemia (where calcium from the bones is released into the blood stream). In the brain, signs are: nausea, headaches, feeling of weakness and dizzy spells. In the lungs symptoms can be: a persistent cough and breathlessness. Secondary breast cancer in the liver can present signs such as: liver pain, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and jaundice.
At the LOC the most advanced private treatments for secondary breast cancer are available. The breast cancer specialists are also involved in the latest research and clinical trials, providing access to the most innovative medical procedures for the disease. They will plan and implement the very best cancer care plan according to the individual case.