Condition Basics
What is metastatic or recurrent breast cancer?
Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both breasts. Metastatic breast cancer means that cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It can be present when someone is first diagnosed with cancer. Recurrent breast cancer means that cancer has come back in or near the original site or in another part of the body. This may happen from a few months to many years after the first diagnosis.
What causes it?
Doctors don't know for sure what causes breast cancer to spread or come back. Even with treatment, cancer can come back. Some things increase the risk of breast cancer coming back. They include the stage and size of the tumor and whether the cancer cells have receptors for estrogen or progesterone.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms depend on where the cancer is and how large it is. Symptoms of metastatic or recurrent breast cancer include a lump or change in your breast or on your chest, changes in your nipple, bone pain, belly pain, and shortness of breath. Or you may not have any symptoms.
How is it diagnosed?
If your doctor thinks that breast cancer has come back or spread, you may have a biopsy to check a sample of tissue. You may also have blood tests and imaging tests, such as a mammogram, an ultrasound, a bone scan, a CT scan, a PET scan, or an MRI.
How is metastatic or recurrent breast cancer treated?
Metastatic or recurrent breast cancer may be treated with chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or targeted therapy. Other options may include surgery or radiation therapy. Your doctor may suggest a clinical trial.
