Metastatic Breast Cancer & Brain Tumors

Metastatic breast cancer is the term used to describe cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other areas of the body. The brain is a common location for tumors caused by metastatic breast cancer cells.

The Facts

According to the National Cancer Institute, metastatic breast cancer is the most severe form of the disease. It is also known as Stage IV breast cancer.

Characteristics

When cancer metastasizes (spreads) to other organs, the resulting tumor is composed of cells from the initial form of cancer. In other words, brain tumors caused by metastatic breast cancer are functionally the same as primary breast cancer.

Symptoms

In some cases, individuals with breast cancer-related brain tumors experience no clear brain symptoms. When they do occur, symptoms may include seizures, headaches and body unsteadiness.

Treatment Options

Treatment options for metastatic breast cancer include radiation therapy, systemic chemotherapy, palliative (pain-easing) surgery and clinical trials of new medications and treatments.

Other Locations

Metastatic breast cancer cells may also spread to the liver, lungs, bones or other organs.

References

• National Cancer Institute: Stages of Breast Cancer
• National Cancer Institute: Breast Cancer Treatment: Treatment By Stage
• National Cancer Institute: Metastatic Cancer: Questions and Answers

Resources

• U.S. Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health: Breast Cancer