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Did you know how breast cancer breaks through the body's defenses and spreads throughout the body?
Once breast cancer enters the metastasis stage, it becomes advanced breast cancer (also known as metastatic breast cancer). This stage not only means that the tumor has spread to other parts of the body besides the armpit lymph nodes, but it is also an incurable condition. According to reports, metastatic breast cancer cells can appear within years of an initial breast cancer diagnosis, sometimes even before the primary breast cancer is diagnosed.
"Metastatic breast cancer cells often have significantly different properties than primary breast cancer."
Pathways and mechanisms of transfer
The metastasis process of breast cancer involves multiple steps: First, cancer cells divide and grow within the primary tumor; then, these cells invade surrounding tissues and then enter the blood or lymphatic system. Eventually, the cancer cells stop at another site and gradually invade local tissues to form micrometastases.
"The potential of cancer cells depends on the interaction of the environment, which is called the "seed and soil" hypothesis."
Common sites of metastatic breast cancer
Metastatic breast cancer can affect multiple organs throughout the body, but the main sites of metastasis include the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. Among them, bone is the most common site of metastasis, and about 70% of patients with advanced breast cancer will develop bone metastasis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer vary depending on the area affected. For example, when lesions involve bones, patients may experience severe pain and even lead to pathological fractures. If it metastasizes to the lungs, chronic cough and difficulty breathing may occur. Brain metastases may be accompanied by persistent headaches, vision changes, and seizures.
Factors affecting metastasis
Many factors influence breast cancer metastasis, including environmental barriers (such as basement membranes), blood flow patterns, and whether cancer cells are able to move to specific organs. Many cancer cells are able to interact with chemoattractants and adhesion molecules released by target organs, which facilitates their metastasis.
"Potential mechanisms of metastasis underestimate the complexity of the cancer cell microenvironment."
Treatment methods
Treatment methods for metastatic breast cancer mainly depend on the location of metastasis and usually include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and biological therapy. Although treatment may prolong a patient's life, no cure is currently available.
Chemotherapy and other strategies
Chemotherapy is an important part of the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Different types of drugs are used to fight the spread of cancer cells. The clinic will also adjust the treatment plan according to the patient's specific situation and test results in order to obtain better treatment results.
"For estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer, the first-choice treatment is usually tamoxifen."
Applications of radiotherapy
Radiation therapy has an important role in the management of metastatic breast cancer, especially when dealing with spinal cord compression or brain metastases. Radiation therapy not only relieves pain, but also effectively controls the growth of tumors.
Breakthrough for the future
With the continuous advancement of science and technology, the treatment of metastatic breast cancer continues to develop. The emergence of new treatments is expected to bring hope to many patients. Most researchers agree that effective treatment strategies can be found in the future through a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of metastasis.
As we search for the best treatments for breast cancer, can scientific collaboration and research give patients a better chance of survival?
