Metastatic breast cancer happens when the cancerous cells originating in breast tissue travel to other parts of the body. The common areas of breast cancer metastasis are the bones, lungs and liver. Depending on the specific parts of the body affected, the symptoms of metastatic breast cancer can vary.
Symptoms of spread in the bones
MBC most often affects the ribs, spine, pelvis and long bones in the arms and legs. Breast cancer that has spread to the bones may cause:
- Sudden pain, such as hip or back pain, which may feel similar to the discomfort associated with arthritis or exercise strain but is persistent or progressively worse even with rest or conservative measures
- Increased risk of bone fractures that result from minimal trauma, such as a minor fall
- Elevated level of calcium in the blood, which can lead to fatigue, nausea, dehydration and loss of appetite
- Numbness or muscle weakness in an arm or leg
Symptoms of spread in lungs
Lung metastasis can cause :
- Pain in the lung
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing and other symptoms similar to those produced by the common cold and flu
- Coughing up mucus or blood
Symptoms of spread in the liver
Liver metastasis can cause :
- Pain or swelling under the ribs, in the midsection or near the right shoulder
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent hiccups
- A yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Anemia
- Fatigue