Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer that predominantly occurs in women. Almost 1 out of 8 women in the US will suffer from breast cancer in their lifetime.<\/p>\n
With the advancement of breast cancer, the cancerous cells start invading other organs. Bones are the most common site for the invasion (metastasis) of breast cancer. When breast cancer spreads to bones, it is also known as secondary breast cancer in bones. It is different from the cancer originating in the bone.<\/p>\n
What Is Metastasis Of Breast Cancer?<\/strong><\/p>\n Cancer, of any type, is a mass of abnormal cells that has a potential to metastasize (invade other cells and tissues). The tumors that do not have the potential to spread or metastasize are not called cancerous, but benign tumors. Metastasis of breast cancer starts in the stage 3 cancer (advanced breast cancer), in which, cancer is found in regional lymph nodes.<\/p>\n The presence of tumor cells in the lymph nodes suggests that cancer has left its original site and may have invaded or is about to invade any other organ. However in stage 4 breast cancer, the cancer involves multiple organs. The most common site for the metastasis of breast cancer is the bones. And the commonly affected bones are spine, pelvis, skull, ribs and long bones of arms and legs.<\/p>\n The secondary breast cancer is generally treatable, but not curable. Due to the advancement of disease, it is difficult to completely eliminate breast cancer. The treatment goal is to relieve or lessen the symptoms and slow down the progression of cancer. The treatment is continued for prolonged period of time, often for many years.<\/p>\n How Are Bones Affected?<\/strong><\/p>\n Bones contain two main type of cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts. These two type of cells are the living cells. Osteoblasts are responsible for the formation of new bone cells, while osteoclasts destroy and remove the bone cells that get old or damaged. There is a continual balance of these cells which is known as remodeling of bone. Old cells die and new cells are built up to keep the skeleton strong and healthy.<\/p>\n When breast cancer spreads to bones, it negatively affects the bone mineral density and its strength. It is because chemicals are produced in the bones when they are invaded by the breast cancer. In turn, this causes disruption of the remodeling of bone. The osteoclasts become overactive that leads to the wasting of bone as more bone is being lost than being formed. It causes the symptoms of secondary breast cancer to develop.<\/p>\n Symptoms Of Secondary Breast Cancer:<\/strong><\/p>\n Due to the invasion of breast cancer into the bones, you may develop some symptoms other than the primary symptoms of breast cancer. It is also possible that you may not develop any additional symptoms. Most people have a good outlook to the treatment of secondary breast cancer and the symptoms are considerably controlled.<\/p>\n The symptoms of the secondary breast cancer can be mixed with other diseases as many of the symptoms are accompanied by other diseases as well. Talk to your medical doctor about the symptoms and concerns you have regarding the cancer.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The pain that results from metastasis of breast cancer in the bones ranges from mild to severe. It is perceived differently by different patients. For instance, the pain can be felt as a dull ache or sharp or burning pain. Also, you may find pain persistent or the pain can vary with the time or activity. For example, the pain may get worse at night. If the pain is not controlled timely, it can affect the quality of life. Therefore, pain needs to be addressed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The decreased metabolism that results from breast cancer and its treatment is one of the major causes of cancer related fatigue. Fatigue is also caused by the competition of nutrients and oxygen by the tumor cells. This causes compromised supply of oxygen and nutrients to the healthy cells. As a result, metabolism slows down and fatigue ensues.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n However, with the increased calcium in the blood, symptoms of hypercalcemia develops. The common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, being thirsty and constipation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In other cases, abnormal blood cells are produced. Deficiency of red blood cells causes anemia. The common symptoms associated with anemia are tiredness\/fatigue and breathlessness as oxygen carrying capacity is compromised. To confirm the diagnosis, blood test or bone marrow biopsy is required. Anemia is treatable. Consult your doctor to for the intervention in anemia.<\/p>\n Conclusion:<\/strong><\/p>\n Breast cancer invades multiple organs in advanced stages. The most common site for the metastasis (spread) of breast cancer is the bones. Cancer weakens the bones by increasing the osteoclast activity (bone resorption).<\/p>\n The common symptoms associated with secondary breast cancer in bones are pain, fatigue, bones weakening with possible fractures, spinal compression (if cancer invades bones encasing spine) and anemia (if cancer affects bone marrow).<\/p>\n These symptoms should be addressed and controlled to improve the quality of life. The treatment for secondary breast cancer is an ongoing task as the final stage breast cancer is generally treatable but not curable.<\/p>\n References:<\/strong><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.breastcancercare.org.uk\/information-support\/secondary-metastatic-breast-cancer\/secondary-breast-cancer-diagnosis\/secondary-breast-cancer-in-bone<\/a><\/p>\n http:\/\/www.cancerresearchuk.org\/about-cancer\/breast-cancer\/advanced\/symptoms<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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