Introduction: Breast cancer liver metastasis. Breast cancer is the most popular type of cancer among women worldwide. Despite advances in treatment, breast cancer is still a major cause of cancer-related deaths. One of the most popular sites of breast cancer is the liver.
Liver metastasis occurs when cancer cells spread through the bloodstream from the breast to the liver. Metastasis breast cancer symptoms depend on what area of body cells have surrounded. Treatment for breast cancer includes medications to decrease the growth.
Metastasis liver breast cancer refers to cancer that has spread to the liver from its original location in the breast. It is a serious condition that requires aggressive treatment. Symptoms may include abdominal pain and loss of appetite. Treatment options may include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Metastasis breast cancer
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast start to divide. A tumor is a collection of these abnormal cells. In metastasis breast cancer, cells spread to the bones, liver, brain, and lungs.
Why does metastatic breast cancer occur?
Metastasis breast cancer happens when treatment cannot destroy all the cancer cells. A few cells remain hidden and undetectable so they grow again.
Symptoms of metastatis breast cancer
Symptoms depend on where cancer cells have invaded.
Symptoms of liver metastasis
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
Symptoms of bone metastasis
- Swelling
- Bone pain
- Bones that break more
Symptoms of brain metastasis
- Seizures
- Nausea and vomiting
- Visual disturbances
- Personality changes
- Pressure in the head
How is breast cancer liver metastasis diagnosis?
The diagnosis of liver breast cancer involves a biopsy. Imaging studies such as MRI and CT can assist in identifying the presence of liver metastasis. Imaging studies and biopsies have been needed to confirm the presence of breast cancer cells in the liver. Blood tests, including a comprehensive metabolic panel.
- Imaging studies include CT, MRI, and bone scans.
- Biopsy to remove tissue from the suspicious area
- A tap to remove fluid from an area with symptoms
Causes
Breast cancer liver metastasis occurs when cancer cells from the breast pass into the bloodstream and invade the liver. Cancer cells travel from the bloodstream to other body parts, including the liver. The liver is a popular metastasis site because it gets a lot of blood from the digestive system.
The exact cause of that cancer is unknown, but certain factors enhance the risk of developing liver metastasis. These factors include the type of breast cancer and the tumor size.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of breast cancer liver metastasis involves a complex interplay between the tumor cells and the host immune system. When tumor cells reach the bloodstream, they reach the liver and establish themselves.
Breast cancer cells can also change the immune microenvironment of the liver by promoting the immunosuppress cells such as T cells. These cells suppress the activity of effector T cells and natural killers.
Treatment
The famous treatment of metastatic breast cancer is systematic therapy. Systematic treatments may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Systemic therapy
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy had used as a treatment for breast cancer liver metastasis. Chemotherapy drugs had administered and circulated throughout the body targeting cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy
It targets specific molecules involved in the spread and growth of cancer cells. The most used targeted therapies for breast cancer liver metastasis target the HER2 protein.
- Systematic therapy
It is the first-line treatment for breast cancer liver metastasis. It is a combination of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, and targeted therapy uses drugs that target cancer cells. Hormone therapy targets the hormone receptors on cancer cells.
- Surgery
Surgery is an option for patients with a single metastasis. It has confined to the liver and cannot spread to other organs. Surgery involves the removal of metastasis and a part of liver cells.
- Radiation therapy
It uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy had used to treat liver metastasis.
Can metastatic Liver breast cancer cure?
There is no cure for metastatic breast cancer. Once the cancer cells spread, it is difficult to get rid of these cells. Yet, the right treatment plan can assist in extending your life and its quality. Metastasis breast cancer treatment aims to slow their growth.
Will I need more than one treatment for metastatic breast cancer?
Medications are vital for metastatic breast cancer to control its spread. When you start the treatment, you and your care team will see how:
- The side effects impact you.
- Cancer responds to therapy.
If the treatment is not working, your care team will discuss switching the treatment method.
Prevention
There is no proven way to prevent metastatic breast cancer. But researchers are working on ways to prevent metastatic breast cancer. The outlook is better when cancer had examined at an earlier stage. Talk to your provider about when you examine regular breast cancer.
Can metastatic breast cancer go into remission?
It always goes away completely. But treatment can cover it. Cancer may go into remission at some stages. It means you have fewer cancer symptoms—treatment considered in certain situations, including if remission happens. A pause in treatment helps you improve your quality of life.
What should I ask my healthcare about metastatic liver breast cancer?
- What are my treatment options?
- What is my prognosis?
- What side effects can I expect?
- Will complementary therapy help me feel better?
- What if I want to stop treatment?
- How can my best during treatment?
How can I reduce my risk of getting breast cancer?
The earlier breast cancer has examined, the more effective treatment can be. The outlook is good when cancer is diagnosed and treated earlier. Talk to your provider about when you should start having regular breast exams.
Final words: Breast cancer liver metastasis
Breast cancer liver metastasis is a serious and life-threatening condition. It happens when breast cancer cells spread to the liver. This condition can cause different symptoms, such as abdominal pain, jaundice, and loss of appetite.
But, aggressive treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of these approaches can improve outcomes and increase the chances of survival. Patients with breast cancer need to work with their healthcare team and monitoring to detect and manage any potential metastases.
Also read: Aggressive breast cancer; Pathophysiology of breast cancer; Why breast cancer happens
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