Metastatic Breast Cancer Recurrence TableMetastatic breast cancer is usually detected because of symptoms. The
treatment of metastatic breast cancer depends on the area of the recurrence,
the extent of the recurrence, and the type of treatments you have already
had. Symptoms and treatment for recurrent breast cancer| Area affected | Symptom | Treatment |
|---|
Breast or chest wall | - Lump or thickening in the breast or under
the arm
- Changes in size or shape of the breast
- Changes
in the skin of the breast or chest wall
- Chest wall
pain
- Discharge from the nipple
| - Surgery to treat a local recurrence to the
breast, under the arm, or on the chest wall
- Hormone therapy, such
as tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor for cancers that are fed by estrogen
(ER+)
- Chemotherapy, such as doxorubicin or
cyclophosphamide
- Radiation treatments
| Bones, especially the back, hips, or sternum | - Pain
- Fractures
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Decreased
alertness from high calcium levels
| - Radiation treatment to reduce bone pain,
fractures, and spinal cord compression
- Hormone therapy, such as
tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor for cancers that are fed by estrogen
(ER+)
- Chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel or
vinorelbine
- Bisphosphonates, such as pamidronate or zoledronic acid
| Lungs | - Shortness of breath, difficulty
breathing
- Cough
- Chest wall pain
- Extreme
fatigue
| - Hormone therapy, such as tamoxifen or an
aromatase inhibitor for cancers that are fed by estrogen (ER+)
- Chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel or vinorelbine
| Liver | - Nausea
- Extreme
fatigue
- Increased abdominal girth
- Fluid collection
(edema) in the feet and legs
- Yellowing or itching of the
skin
| - Hormone therapy, such as tamoxifen or an
aromatase inhibitor for cancers that are fed by estrogen (ER+)
- Chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel or vinorelbine
| Brain and spinal cord | - Pain
- Confusion
- Memory
loss
- Headache
- Blurred or double
vision
- Change in how the skin senses touch, pain, or any other
physical feeling
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Trouble standing, moving, or walking
- Seizures
| - Radiation treatments to the brain or spinal
cord
- Chemotherapy delivered directly into the spinal fluid
(intrathecal chemotherapy)
- Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone,
to reduce swelling in the brain and spinal cord
- Surgery to remove
pressure on the spinal cord
| ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerDouglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology Current as of:
May 3, 2017 |
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